Imperial College London is launching a qualitative study about screening and early treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. As primary care healthcare professionals, your participation would be highly appreciated. What is the purpose of the study? It is known that pulmonary fibrosis often has a late diagnosis. Cohort studies have highlighted how ex-smokers and relatives of people with pulmonary fibrosis may present early parenchymal abnormalities (ILAs) and have an increased risk of developing the disease compared with the general population. 

Let’s face it, there are LOTS of reasons NOT to attend the 2023 PCRS Conference regardless whether you have attended one before:

The Association for Respiratory Technology & Physiology (ARTP) have now updated their advice on how to reduce the risk of spreading viral respiratory infections when performing aerosol-generating procedures (AEGs) such as spirometry in primary care settings. The flurry of investigations on AEGs in light of the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that these procedures have the potential to spread any aerosol borne virus, not just SARS-CoV-2.

The PCRS Executive is the main standing committee of PCRS. It leads on the development and implementation of the activities of the charity.  We are now able announce that following the call for applications, the executive committee election results are as follows: Re-elections We are pleased to confirm that Daryl Freeman, Ren Lawlor and Vince Mak have been re-elected to the executive committee.

The publication of the 2023 GOLD Report Global Strategy for Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of COPD represents a shift in the global recommendations for how we should view, categorize and ultimately treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the UK. Perhaps the most significant change is the revision of the ABCD Assessment Tool.

PCRS welcome the verdict of the inquest into the death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale in 2020. The Coroner’s finding that his exposure to the black mould in his rented home caused his death from acute airway oedema with severe granulomatous tracheobronchitis represents a landmark moment in the fight to protect UK children from the effects of poor housing conditions.

At the British Thoracic Society (BTS) 2022 Winter Meeting, respiratory experts from around the UK are discussing their apprehension of the looming pressure on the health system as we enter the winter months.

The Oxford AHSN and the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust respiratory pharmacy team have launched a new and evidence-based Asthma Structured Medication Review template for use with asthma patients. It can be imported free of charge into GP prescribing systems (EMISweb and SystmOne) to support standardised, high-quality care. It has been extensively tested by pharmacists working across primary, secondary and tertiary care, and guides the user through:

World COPD Day, 16th November, is organised by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with health care professionals and COPD patient groups throughout the world. Its aim is to raise awareness, share knowledge, and discuss ways to reduce the burden of COPD worldwide.