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Health Action Plan

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2013

Thursday, 27 June 2013

Ceisteanna (248)

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

248. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if the National Asthma Programme will be included in next year's budget and the 2014 Health Service Executive Service Plan; if the first phase of asthma patients will be given a structured asthma review in 2014; if 17 clinical nurse specialist posts will be recruited to facilitate the roll out of the National Asthma Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31194/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Clinical Programme for Asthma, which commenced in 2011, is one of a number of chronic disease programmes established in the HSE’s Clinical Care Directorate aimed at bringing a systematic approach to changes in how services for patients are delivered. The level of funding available for the health budget for 2014 has not yet been determined. Deliberations by the Government on the expenditure allocations for next year are likely to continue up until Budget time. The HSE is currently engaged in the estimates process. The National Clinical Programme for Asthma is included in the HSE's 2013 Operational Plan. Implementation of the Programme is ongoing and will continue in 2014. To date, different work streams of the National Clinical Programme for Asthma have resulted in the following initiative, the preparation of a Model of Care. This is currently being finalised and will be sent for stakeholder consultation after 30 June 2013. The Model of Care cannot be completed until stakeholder responses have been received and considered. The Model of Care includes a proposal to provide a standardised structured asthma review of each patient by the patient's GP at least annually. This will optimise treatment, ensure institution of inhaled corticosteroid therapy early in asthma management where appropriate, encourage medication adherence and address underlying problems with asthma care and management. This will include:

- Inhaler technique;

- Adherence to and understanding of medications;

- Self-management education including personal asthma plans and self-monitoring;

- Management of co-morbidities and triggers including allergic rhinitis; and

- Smoking cessation and/or avoidance or exposure to second hand smoke.

- The establishment of Asthma Check (Chronic Disease Watch Asthma – structured review) – this has been submitted to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) for review. It is proposed that patients with asthma would be enrolled in Asthma Check on a phased basis with clearly identified target groups.

- The preparation of Acute Emergency Asthma Guidelines for Adults - this has been submitted to the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee (NCEC) for review and feedback.

- The preparation of Acute Emergency Asthma Guidelines for Paediatrics – these have been completed.

- Asthma Control in General Practice – these guidelines have been signed off by ICGP and are being implemented.

- Asthma Educational Programme – this is available online at www. hseland.ie.

- Practical workshops have been delivered locally by Clinical Nurse Specialists to nurses in Primary and Secondary Care.

- Nurses and other health professionals have been enrolled in an asthma education module. This education module is based on the National Asthma guidelines. This supports healthcare staff in the delivery of evidenced based care and education for patients. In partnership with the Asthma Society, patient information documents have been developed to support this initiative.

The HSE has commenced the appointment of 17 Clinical Nurse Specialists (one per HSE Integrated Service Area) to support the phased roll out of the Integrated Care Diabetes Programme. When the National Clinical Programme for Asthma's Model of Care has been published an assessment can be made in relation to how it will be implemented in the acute hospital and primary care system and what resources, including nursing resources, will be required.

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