In this article, the authors review evidence, guidance and current practice to provide a consensus approach to calculating and interpreting peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) variability and reversibility from peak flow diary recordings for asthma diagnosis.

Spirometry is a component of the diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions in primary care and should ideally be performed via referral to a primary care network respiratory diagnostic service or community diagnostics centre (CDC) with expertise in the diagnosis of the most common respir

In this edition, we focus on COPD and revisit the 2017 PCRS consensus on COPD treatment titled 'Keeping it Simple.' The updated algorithm aligns with the latest GOLD and NICE guidance, and maintains a focus on patient-centred treatment grounded in evidence, medication optimisation, and continuous

Spirometry is a component of the diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions in primary care and should ideally be performed via referral to a primary care network respiratory diagnostic service or community diagnostics centre (CDC) with expertise in the diagnosis of the most common respir

PCRS recognises a need for improvement in the timely diagnosis of people living with chronic breathlessness and generally welcomes the NHS England diagnostic pathway support tool. PCRS has some concerns that a diagnostic algorithm can communicate an oversimplification of diagnosis.

A new report is showcasing the impact of a national AHSN Network programme to improve access to FeNO testing for asthma diagnosis. Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) tests are simple, non-invasive tests to support the diagnosis of asthma.

A new report is showcasing the impact of a national AHSN Network programme to improve access to FeNO testing for asthma diagnosis.

To consider how and when we use FeNO testing, we need to go to the definition of asthma. Both BTS/SIGN1 and GINA2 define it as a predominantly inflammatory disorder of the airways with airway hyperresponsiveness and variability in symptoms.

The common chronic respiratory disorders diagnosed in primary care—asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—are both characterised by airway obstruction.

NICE Diagnostic Guidance 12 (DG12); Measuring fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentration in asthma: NIOX MINO, NIOX VERO and NObreath.

Making a case for change In order to justify any investment on new services or equipment, it is important to make a case for change (business case), describe the intended impacts and outcomes of your project, and outline the costs and proj

Health Education England elearning for healthcare, in partnership with NHS England and NHS Improvement, Accelerated Access Collaborative, WAHSN, AHSN Network, and the Office for Life Sciences, developed two elearning modules focused on FeNO in Asthma.

NICE guidance is integral to the clinical care that we offer as Health Care Professionals (HCPs).

Quality Improvement (QI) helps us identify what works well and where we can make changes. In primary care, we don't have time or resources to spend on things that don't work, don't serve our patients, and that could be done more efficiently or effectively.

accuRx has created a FeNO template to send to patients prior to their appointment via text message. For information on what's included and how to find the template, have a look at the guidance document below.