The Oxford AHSN Medicines Optimisation Clinical Network prioritised the treatment and control of patients diagnosed with asthma.
A multidisciplinary project team made up of representatives from NHS trusts, clinical commissioning groups and primary care organisations identified a number of measures to tackle the problem. Representatives from the pharmaceutical industry were also part of this work.
Initiatives aimed at helping patients to understand their medicines and improve their adherence to prescribed regimes included:
- developing a smartphone app to help patients monitor their symptoms and get reminders for when to take their medicines
- developing a training course for pharmacists and nurses to equip them with skills to manage patients’ concerns about their medicines.
