Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 July 2014
194. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the target month for the finalisation of a costed implementation plan for the national clinical programme for asthma; and the steps he is taking to ensure this implementation plan will be finalised in time for inclusion in the 2015 Health Service Executive service plan. [30493/14]
View answerThe HSE, through its Clinical Strategy and Programmes Division, established the National Clinic Programme for Asthma (NCPA), which is one of a number of chronic disease programmes aimed at bringing a systematic approach to changes in how services for patients are delivered. The overarching aim of the Programme is to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with asthma in Ireland and to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life of all patients with asthma. A key component is the improved management of people with asthma in primary care, thereby avoiding emergency attendance at General Practitioner (GP) out-of-hours services, emergency departments and in-patient services.
The initial focus has been on the development of national asthma guidelines based on international best practice, early asthma diagnosis, active asthma treatment, guided self-management and patient education. This work is complete. A number of other elements of the Programme have also been implemented, including an asthma education programme and patient education materials. The Programme has also developed a National Model of Care for Asthma, which details how physicians, nurses and other health professionals will work with engaged patients to make the clinical decisions most appropriate to their circumstances; and to collaborate with specialist colleagues in providing a safe, seamless patient experience within the health system in Ireland.
The National Model of Care for Asthma in general practice has been agreed by the HSE's Clinical Programmes, the Asthma Society and the ICGP. Implementation of this model in general practice involves consultation on the GP contract with representative bodies. A Framework Agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has recently been signed, which allows progress on these issues, initially in the context of the provision of GP care free at the point of access for children under 6 years.
The following revised reply was received on 23 October 2014.
The HSE, through its Clinical Strategy and Programmes Division, established the National Clinic Programme for Asthma (NCPA), which is one of a number of chronic disease programmes aimed at bringing a systematic approach to changes in how services for patients are delivered.
The overarching aim of the Programme is to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with asthma in Ireland and to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life of all patients with asthma. A key component is the improved management of people with asthma in primary care, thereby avoiding emergency attendance at General Practitioner (GP) out-of-hours services, emergency departments and in-patient services.
The initial focus has been on the development of national asthma guidelines based on international best practice, early asthma diagnosis, active asthma treatment, guided self-management and patient education. This work is complete.
A number of other elements of the Programme have also been implemented, including an asthma education programme and patient education materials.
The Programme has also developed a National Model of Care for Asthma, which details how physicians, nurses and other health professionals will work with engaged patients to make the clinical decisions most appropriate to their circumstances; and to collaborate with specialist colleagues in providing a safe, seamless patient experience within the health system in Ireland.
The National Clinical Programme for Asthma Model of Care has been approved by the HSE and the Asthma Society and planning is underway for implementation. Implementation of this model in general practice will require consultation with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO).
A Framework Agreement with the IMO has recently been signed, which allows progress on these issues, initially in the context of the provision of GP care free at the point of access for children under 6 years.
