The Irish College General Practitioners is the professional body for education, training, research and standards in general practice. In addition to its teaching, training and education activities the College regularly produces general practice publications, guidelines and protocols to assist GPs in their everyday work.
The HSE is aware of the “Asthma-Diagnosis, Assessment and Management in General Practice” reference guide, published by the ICGP which provides recommendations for the diagnosis and management of asthma in patients in general practice. However, it is not involved in endorsing the ICGP recommendations.
A significant development in general practice has been the introduction of a new Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Programme at the end of January 2020. This Programme is being rolled out on a phased basis to adult GMS and GP visit card patients over a 4-year period.
Patients with an existing diagnosis of one of the specified conditions, including asthma, those who are assessed by their GP on an opportunistic case finding basis, as well as those identified as high risk, will benefit under the programme. It is estimated that over 400,000 medical card and GP visit card patients will benefit from the programme. In order to support patients in managing their chronic condition(s) there are two scheduled reviews with the GP in a 12-month period, each preceded by a practice nurse visit. These reviews include patient education, preventative care, medication review, physical examinations, scheduled investigations and individual care planning.
For the first time we are seeing the delivery of structured care on a large scale for patients with chronic conditions in a primary care setting. As the Programme is rolled out and fully implemented over time, it is envisaged that it will result in a reduction in hospital attendance by patients with the four conditions.
GPs participating in the new CDM programme receive enhanced capitation fees as well as an increased practice nurse subsidy.
