Spotlight on asthma training

Asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions that primary care nurses will come across in practice. Around 5.4 million people have asthma and three people still die every day from the condition.¹

The National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) released in May 2014 found that the number of asthma related deaths had not reduced significantly despite identifying that there are preventable factors in two thirds of deaths.²

A recent survey carried out by Independent Nurse and Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited of 184 nurses found that nearly 35% said there was not enough time to spend with their asthma patients (Figure 1). A number of reasons were stated as to why nurses felt that they did not have the time for patients with asthma. One of the main reasons given was that there was not enough time in 20 minute consultations to properly discuss and inform patients about asthma.