National survey on the roles and training of primary care respiratory nurses in the UK in 2006: are we making progress?

Abstract

Objectives: To describe nurse-led UK general practice asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care, and the training undertaken to support it.Methods: Questionnaires were sent to 500 randomly-selected UK asthma and COPD practice nurses.Results: 382 nurses (76%) completed the practice characteristics section, 389 (78%) described their asthma roles and training, and 368 (74%) described their COPD roles and training. 96 practices (25%; 95%CI 21-29%) ran designated asthma clinics, 87 (23%; 95%CI 19-27%) ran designated COPD clinics, and 170 (45%; 95%CI 40-49%) did not run designated respiratory clinics. Of the 255 nurses with an advanced asthma role, 51 (20%; 95%CI 15-25%) did not have accredited asthma training. Of the 215 nurses with an advanced COPD role, 111 (52%; 95%CI 45-58%) did not have accredited COPD training. Conclusion:Patients are increasingly being seen outside of designated asthma or COPD clinics, often by nurses with an advanced role. It is important that nurses have the training to fulfil this role.

Research priorities for respiratory nursing: A UK-wide Delphi study

“…Evidence suggests that the quality of spirometry, particularly in primary care, is often substandard and that training is valuable in improving quality [37]; therefore, the need for a standardised approach towards education and training has already been identified [38]. The introduction of the ERS Spirometry Driving Licence has made some progress to setting an international standard for spirometry, and it will be incumbent on respiratory nurses and respiratory training organisations to ensure that the programme is rolled out and fully evaluated [3].…”

Systems for the management of respiratory disease in primary care — an international series: United Kingdom

“…For example, a national survey revealed that only 12% of nurses undertaking spirometry had undertaken accredited training and fewer than half (49%) of those diagnosing and managing COPD had undertaken specialist training. 76 The recently published standards for diagnostic spirometry in primary care emphasise the importance of appropriately calibrated and serviced equipment, operated safely by trained professionals with accredited and maintained skills, and correctly interpreted by healthcare professionals. 49 Most patients with allergies are managed in primary care, and access to specialist services is limited.…”

Inhaler choice and inhalation technique: key factors for asthma control

“…Trained asthma nurses fulfil a central role in education and in teaching patients about inhaler devices and encouraging adherence. 10 Furthermore, communitybased pharmacists can play a huge role not only in demonstrating the correct use of each type of inhaler they dispense to a patient, but also in identifying poorly controlled asthma by scanning the use of, and dispensing patterns of, bronchodilators versus inhaled steroids.…”