Strengthening Asthma Care: How the Asthma Adviceline Supports Specialist Practice

Introduction

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease in Ireland. Approximately 1 in 10 of the population live with the condition. Asthma control remains suboptimal in a substantial proportion of patients, which places significant health, social and economic burdens on the community. The cost of asthma care in Ireland is over €500 million per annum. As respiratory healthcare professionals, we are constantly seeking ways to enhance the quality of care for our patients. One invaluable resource to help us do so is the Asthma Society of Ireland’s Asthma Adviceline, a free national callback service that provides a unique layer of support to people with asthma and their families. This service is transforming asthma care by offering patients direct access to evidence-based expert advice, education, and support.

The WhatsApp nurse messaging service can also enhance the care of your patients and provides quick and easy access to self-management resources.

Asthma Adviceline (1800 44 54 64)

The aim of the Asthma Adviceline is to improve the health of people with asthma, reduce unscheduled healthcare visits, and improve quality of life. Asthma is a variable and unpredictable disease and consistent support, and education helps to keep patients’ symptoms stable.

Managing asthma effectively requires a collaborative approach, ensuring patients receive timely and expert guidance. We encourage respiratory consultants and their teams to refer patients to our Asthma Adviceline for advice and support using the new e-referral platform available at asthma.ie.

The Adviceline is staffed by experienced asthma nurses who have the expertise to work with mild, moderate, or severe asthma in all age groups. They can provide tailored guidance on medication use and adherence, inhaler technique, trigger management, lifestyle, symptom control, and the reinforcement of the personalised Asthma Action Plans that you have developed with your patients. Our senior physiotherapist can advise on lifestyle, exercise, and breathing techniques. This service is designed to complement the care provided in clinical settings, empowering patients to better understand and manage their condition between appointments.

WhatsApp nurse messaging service (086 059 0132)

This is a free, secure, and confidential service through which patients can ask questions about their asthma. They will receive guidance from respiratory nurses without having to have a full consultation. Videos on inhaler techniques, infographics and webinars can be shared with the patient that they can keep on their phone and share with others.

Benefits for you and your patients

Referring patients to the Asthma Society’s services will help you save time, reduce your workload, and improve patient outcomes. It is a simple step that can make a significant difference for both you and your patients. Below are some of the benefits.

1. Enhancing patient education and self-management

·       Consistent self–management education helps bridge the gap between clinic visits.

·       The Adviceline provides one-on-one expert (nurse or physiotherapist) support, reinforcing your advice and giving patients additional time to ask questions.

·       Patients are more informed and more engaged in their own care allowing consultants and respiratory teams to focus on more complex decision making rather than re-educating on basics.

·       This frees up your time for complex cases or other patients while ensuring the individual receives high quality, evidence-based asthma management education.

2. Reduces unscheduled healthcare visits and unnecessary hospital visits

·       Poor inhaler technique, medication non-adherence, and lack of confidence with self-management can lead to unscheduled healthcare visits.

·       Many calls to the Adviceline involve early symptom recognition or concerns that, if unaddressed, could escalate into exacerbations requiring acute care. By offering timely advice, the service can help reduce avoidable unscheduled healthcare visits.

·       The Adviceline supports patients in improving their self-management skills, meaning fewer asthma flare ups and lower risk of emergency department or out-of-hours care.

4. Supports adherence to guidelines

·       The advice given through the Adviceline aligns with national and GINA guidelines.

·       This standardised messaging reinforces the treatment strategies prescribed by consultants, contributing to consistent patient management and better clinical outcomes.

·       It also helps reduce misinformation and promotes uniformity of care across the healthcare system.

5. Extends the Consultant’s reach

·       In a resource limited system, respiratory consultants cannot always follow up with every patient as frequently as needed.

·       The Adviceline effectively acts as an extension of care between scheduled reviews, particularly for those discharged or newly diagnosed.

·       The availability of this expert, accessible support ensures patients remain connected to care especially in rural or underserved areas.

6. Data and insights to inform practice

·       While respecting confidentiality, the aggregated data from the Adviceline can offer insights into common patient concerns, seasonal trends in exacerbations, and knowledge gaps.

·       The feedback loop can inform clinical practice, guide health messaging, and identify priorities for professional education and service development.

The Asthma Adviceline is more than a patient resource; it is a strategic partner in delivering high quality, evidence-based asthma care. By empowering patients and alleviating systemic pressures, it allows respiratory consultants and their teams to focus on what they do best: managing complex cases in advanced clinical care.

Our impact

Recent data from a post-Adviceline survey highlights the impact of the service:

·       100% reported improved confidence in managing their asthma

·       97% were satisfied with the knowledge and experience of the nurse/physio

·       100% would recommend the Adviceline to others

·       77% discussed their Asthma Action Plan with their GP following a call

·       53% reported a reduction in unplanned GP visits

·       50% reported a reduction in emergency department visits

Testimonials

How to refer

We encourage all members of the Irish Thoracic Society to refer their asthma patients to the Asthma Adviceline and WhatsApp nurse messaging service. Whether newly diagnosed or struggling with control, patients can benefit immensely from this accessible, patient-centred support.

Let us work together to ensure every person with asthma in Ireland has the tools and support they need to live a full, symptom-free life.

·       To refer a patient, simply follow any of the steps below:

·       Complete our short e-referral form

·       Text/send the patient our freephone Adviceline Number (1800 44 54 64) so that they can then contact us directly. Please note that patients can also request a call back from us by completing this form.

·       Alternatively, text/send the patient our WhatsApp number (089 059 0132)

Scan the QR code below to access the e-referral form.

For printed referral cards or posters for your practice, contact the Asthma Society of Ireland at reception@asthmasociety.ie.

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