Dr Hassan Burhan of Liverpool University Hospitals
Videos and a podcast have been produced by the Innovation Agency to promote ways of using advanced asthma therapies.
The project was conducted to publicise a high-risk asthma case-finding programme offered by the Liverpool Severe Asthma Service (LSAS) from Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
As a result of the programme, the waiting time for eligible patients from referral to first treatment has reduced from 167 to 53 days.
Rhiannon Clarke, Asthma Rapid Uptake Programme Manager for the Innovation Agency said: "Asthma presents a continuing challenge across primary care and the research has shown that despite best efforts the numbers of patients who require optimisation and access to advanced therapies remains high."
Liverpool University Hospitals' respiratory department research lead Dr Hassan Burhan who leads the Liverpool Severe Asthma Service is featured in the productions, as well as a patient whose life has changed significantly following a referral.
The videos and podcast are aimed at primary care colleagues to provide more information about treatment for severe asthma; the importance of referral to a severe asthma service; and the information to include when making a referral.
“I’m delighted that the videos and podcast will also form part of a national toolkit of materials available to everyone working in primary care,” said Rhiannon.
Video and podcast links
Video 1 - Improving access to treatment for patients with severe asthma
This video includes the experiences of Marjorie, a patient whose life has changed significantly, as a result of asthma biologic therapy:
Video 2 - How to make a good quality referral to the severe asthma service
This video sets out which patients are eligible and what information is required in a referral.
Podcast - This podcast describes the programme and has useful guidance for primary care.
Resources mentioned in these videos can be found on the toolkit for the Asthma Biologics Rapid Uptake Programme, hosted by Oxford AHSN. For further information, please contact rhiannon.clarke@innovationagencynwc.nhs.uk.
For further information about the Liverpool Severe Asthma Service, please contact asthma@rlbuht.nhs.uk.
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