New national research project aims to cut child asthma deaths
Katy Morton
Monday, February 6, 2012
A landmark study into the cause of asthma deaths to reduce the number of children dying from the condition is being led by the Royal College of Physicians.
The 12-month National Review of Asthma Deaths in the UK, funded by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership, is the first study of its kind to collect details of asthma deaths across the country to identify what can be done to improve care and reduce the number of adults and children who die from the condition.
Healthcare professionals and families are being asked to notify the research team of any suspected asthma death occurring from 1 February 2012 to 31 January 2013, information that will contribute to the findings of the study.
According to the Royal College of Physicians, asthma affects one in ten children and adults in the UK. Three people die from asthma in this country every day, however they claim that over 70 per cent of these deaths are preventable.
Charity Asthma UK, who since 2009 has delivered asthma training to 2,500 schools and early years staff, is backing the review.
Neil Churchill, chief executive officer at Asthma UK, said, ‘The importance of this national review cannot be under-estimated. The UK has a higher death rate from asthma than other similar countries and we have been unable to reduce numbers significantly in recent years.
This review will establish any patterns and risk factors that will help us prevent asthma deaths in the future. We’re already working with healthcare professionals in key asthma hotspots such as the North West of England to encourage people to manage their asthma and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.’
