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<p>The Department collaborated with the Royal College of Physicians on the National
Review of Asthma Deaths and welcomed this report. Since its publication, significant
improvements have been made in asthma care.</p><p>Respiratory disease, including asthma,
is a clinical priority within the NHS Long Term Plan, which aims to improve outcomes
for patients through earlier diagnosis and increased access to treatments. The Respiratory
Delivery Board will take forward respiratory proposals set out in the Plan by working
with key partners.</p><p>The National Health Service is supporting the national asthma
audit programme which provides data on a range of indicators to show improvements
and opportunities in asthma outcomes. NHS RightCare will be publishing an asthma toolkit
later this year to support local commissioners and systems in delivering quality care.
A best practice tariff for asthma, which aims to reduce variation in asthma care,
is also in development.</p><p>The current quality outcomes framework (QOF) indicators
for asthma are in consultation and changes for the annual review indicators may include
data on asthma control; exacerbations; and written personalised action plans.</p><p>As
set out in the NHS Long Term Plan, pharmacies in primary care networks will undertake
medicine reviews for asthma patients. This will include education on inhaler use and
uptake of dry powder and smart inhalers where clinically appropriate.</p><p>Finally,
the NHS Long Term Plan commits to offering stop smoking interventions to all inpatients,
pregnant women and high-risk outpatient specialties by the end of 2023/24. Recording
of smoking status is part of the proposed QOF indicator for asthma.</p>
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