Green inhalers

Review of high risk asthma patient

Improve respiratory disease control whilst reducing the carbon footprint of care, in line with new Dorset asthma guidance.

Respiratory illness and inhalers are responsible for a significant proportion of the NHS’ carbon footprint. A healthy environment will benefit the entire community but especially those with respiratory disease.  

Run the SystmOne search provided to identify high-risk asthma patients (5+ SABAs in last year).

Communicate with patients involved and invite them for review. 

Review disease control as per Dorset asthma and green respiratory guidance. 

Priority should be given to patients with poorly controlled disease and the priority for each interaction should be disease control. This will have the greatest outcome for patients and the environment. 

SystmOne searches:

  • 2023-24 | Asthma: prescribing – 5 or more SABAs issued in last 1y if >16y
  • 2023-24 | Asthma: prescribing – 6 or more SABAs issued in last 1y if <16y

Template patient text message:

“We are writing to all the patients currently using high numbers of salbutamol inhalers (your blue device), to encourage them to make an appointment to discuss their symptom management. The reason for this is that a high number of prescriptions for salbutamol devices indicates that your illness is not under control. A review of inhaler type and use can improve your health outcomes and reduce the need for further ‘rescue’ medicine, such as your blue inhaler. 

Please make an appointment at the surgery at a convenient time to discuss this further.”

Template patient letter

Health care professional information – to check disease therapy, optimise inhaler use/technique and if appropriate convert to DPI devices.

Patient communications: