Respiratory medication use in Australia 2003-2013

Respiratory medication use in Australia 2003-2013

Drug therapy Respiratory disease

A report just published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare describes the patterns of dispensing of respiratory medications in Australia through a detailed analyses of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data, as well as other sources, to draw inferences about respiratory medication use among patients with asthma and COPD. 

Respiratory medication use in Australia 2003-2013: treatment of asthma and COPD provides evidence of "substantial over- and under-use of certain classes of medications for management of asthma and COPD. ...Our findings indicate the potential both for better health outcomes and for cost savings to patients and governments by better targeting of treatment for asthma and COPD."

Health impact of bushfire smoke

Health impact of bushfire smoke

Environment Respiratory disease

A topical item in The Conversation this week, "What you can do about the health impact of bushfire smoke" has been written by epidemiologists Martine Dennekamp from Monash University and Fay Johnstone from the University of Tasmania.  The authors express particular concern about the very small PM2.5 particles of smoke that can penetrate deep into the lungs and have been shown to have an effect on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.  People particularly at risk, such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with a history of lung or heart disease, are advised to stay indoors with doors and windows sealed if they are near a fire area and cannot relocate.  

COPD best practice

COPD best practice

Respiratory disease

The latest edition of the Australian Health Review includes an article by Teresa Burgess et al, Best-practice care for people with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the potential role of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease care co-ordinator.  This qualitative study found that people with this condition often have trouble navigating the many different services they may require, and that the lack of communication between these services can also be a problem.  A dedicated care coordinator with advanced nursing skills could ensure that people with COPD have streamlined care which is appropriate and accessible.

Australian Health Review 34 (4) 2013 : 474-81.  Available though CIAP or contact your health librarian.

COPD practice guidelines

COPD practice guidelines

Practice guidelines Respiratory disease

The National Guidelines Clearinghouse in the US has produced a guideline synthesis, Diagnosis and Management of Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), comparing and synthesising the following two guidelines:

• American College of Physicians, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, and European Respiratory Society (ACP/ACCP/ATS/ERS). Diagnosis and management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a clinical practice guideline update from the American College of Physicians, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, and European Respiratory Society. Ann Intern Med 2011 Aug 2;155(3):179-191. [62 references]

• Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Vancouver (WA): Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD); 2013. 80 p. [547 references]