GP asthma Practice Review – reflection is as important as ever

NPS MedicineWise will be sending out practice review letters to over 30,000 GPs across Australia this week with individualised data on their paediatric asthma diagnosis and prescribing.

NPS MedicineWise CEO, Adj A/Prof Steve Morris says the practice review provides an opportunity for GPs to reflect on the diagnosis and management of their patients with asthma.

“NPS MedicineWise is continuing to support the best practice use of medicines and tests in this fast evolving environment,” he said.

“The practice review letters include information on best practice diagnosis and treatment of paediatric asthma, recognising that general practice is currently experiencing an unprecedented situation,” he said.

“During the COVID-19 outbreak, it continues to be important that all patients with asthma have an up-to-date asthma plan and for GPs to consider whether each of their patient’s asthma is as well controlled as it can be.

“We are also taking this opportunity to encourage GPs to ensure if someone takes asthma medicines, that these are properly recorded on the patient’s medicines list. This is particularly important in case the patient needs to visit a hospital unexpectedly or consult a doctor or pharmacist who is unfamiliar with their health status,” said Mr Morris.

NPS MedicineWise provides a blank medicines list template for download, and people can also use the MedicineWise app on their phone to manage the medicines they or someone they care for are taking.

GPs are also reminded that the National Asthma Council has recently released new recommendations relating to COVID-19 and asthma. There are some temporary changes to asthma management, particularly restrictions on the use of nebulisers and spirometry.

The asthma practice review is part of a wider NPS MedicineWise educational program on paediatric asthma. General practitioners can book a virtual visit to discuss the latest evidence and therapeutic management of paediatric asthma.

For more information on paediatric asthma, visit the NPS MedicineWise paediatric asthma hub and for information on medicines and COVID-19, visit the NPS MedicineWise COVID-19 information hub.