Step 3c. Develop aims – consider environmental impact of respiratory care
Suggested actions - developing aims, project planning
Background
BTS Environment and Lung Health position statement Greener practice guide for healthcare professionals, PCRS Greener respiratory pathway,
High quality and low carbon respiratory care video (see below)
Consider linking your aim to one of these four headings:
Diagnosis
Greener practice asthma diagnosis video (see below)
- People prescribed inhalers have an accurate diagnosis
- Review people prescribed SABA alone
Disease control
Greener practice asthma diagnosis video (see below)
- Reduce over-reliance on SABA
- Reduce underuse of inhaled corticosteroids
- Optimise control and self-management
Device
Greener Practice inhaler device choice video (see below)
- Inhaler technique checks are conducted - include in all chronic disease reviews
- Utilise all team members – practice/office manager (identification/prioritisation of people); reception team (organise appointments); healthcare assistant/health care support worker/CTAC (bloods (if necessary) and measurements); general practice nurse/practice pharmacist/GP (medication review); general practice nurse (long term condition review).
- Optimising inhaler devices e.g. strength, combination inhalers, low carbon emission choices
- Reduce carbon emissions from inhalers
- Review use of high carbon emission inhalers: Flutiform, Symbicort MDI, Ventolin MDI
Disposal of inhalers
- Communication and education regarding safe disposal via the community pharmacy medicine collection bins. Greener practice disposal resources
- Address over-ordering inhalers and waste, for example, through medication reviews (see step 4)