The least cost-effective inhaler device is the one that the patient cannot use. In deciding which device and drug formulation to prescribe healthcare professionals should first determine the patient’s ability to use the prescribed device correctly.

Fran Robinson talks to a patient who has had asthma all her life, feels that annual asthma reviews are a waste of time (except when they are conducted by PCRS members).

Key facts

PCRS welcome this further update of the long established, comprehensive and highly respected BTS/SIGN guideline for asthma.

E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular in recent years. The main reason given by current vapers for using e-cigarettes is to help them stop smoking tobacco. This pragmatic article provides information on the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a stop smoking tool.

Leadership skills enable respiratory nurse to raise standards of care Fran Robinson talks to Deirdre Siddaway Respiratory Specialist Nurse, Suffolk Originally published in the Autumn 2018 edition of the Primary Care Respiratory Update.

How one long term condition might be used to fulfil the potential of PCN investment. PCRS Service Development Committee member, Stuart Shields, has written "10 top tips for PCN clinical directors - The respiratory long term condition perspective"  to support Primary Care Network cl

The exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) test detects exposure to CO in the last 12-18 hours. This can be used to assess smoking status AFTER a quit attempt and used prior to a quit attempt as a motivational tool.

Alongside a detailed clinical history and other important tests to assess variability (peak flow, reversibility and challenge tests) it is used to support the diagnosis of asthma. PCRS has produced this consensus position on the use of FeNO in primary care to support the diagnosis of as

The PCRS position on changes to QoF.

We have guidelines on asthma from two different sources in the UK – BTS/SIGN and NICE. The British Asthma guideline from BTS/SIGN was first published in 2003 and is well established, respected and comprehensive.

Briefing document for National Respiratory Strategies – the NHS Long term plan and Lung Health Taskforce 5 year plan.

This is the most recent briefing paper on the latest update to the BTS/SIGN British Asthma Guideline.

In this short article for Spring 2019 issue of Primary Care Respiratory Update, Carol Stonham and Tricia Bryant reflect on recent advances in digital technology which may help and support affiliated groups to maintain momentum, retain engagement of members and help facilitate virtual meetings to

Respiratory nurse practitioner Carol Stonham will achieve two PCRS firsts when she takes over from Dr Noel Baxter as Executive Chair in September 2019. She will become both the first female and the first nurse leader, reflecting the changing and progressive outlook of PCRS.&nb