Number of inhaled corticosteroids prescribed per annum | Right Decisions

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Respiratory : Quality prescribing strategy - a guide for improvement
Asthma
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Prescribing issues to address
Number of inhaled corticosteroids prescribed per annum

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Review patients who have been prescribed an ICS inhaler and do not order on repeat prescription for adherence and understanding of preventer treatment and to establish appropriate use of SABA inhalers

People who have been prescribed an ICS inhaler and do not order on repeat prescription should be checked for adherence and understanding of preventer treatment and to establish appropriate use of SABA inhalers. The National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) report²² highlighted that some people at risk of uncontrolled asthma / sudden death had under used preventer medicines. Most ICS inhalers (pMDIs and DPIs) have a dose counter and that may be used to aid understanding of adherence based on an individual’s asthma management plan.

Conversely, some people may over-order inhalers for various reasons, such as poor understanding of therapy. A review would be advised to explore this. Use of the STU software is recommended for GP practices to identify patients receiving 14 or more ICS inhalers a year (see Scottish Therapeutics Utility (STU)).