Avoidable asthma deaths: national audit results

The first national investigation into asthma deaths reveals deficiencies in risk assessment, prescribing and clinical care. Implications for practice are outlined

In this article…

• > Findings of the National Review of Asthma Deaths

• > Analysis of prescribing and clinical care of those who died

• > Implications for practice

Abstract

Pearce L (2014) Avoidable asthma deaths: national audit results. Nursing Times; 110: 32/33, 22-24. Why Asthma Still Kills: the National Review of Asthma Deaths is the first national investigation into this problem. Asthma deaths were identified through national databases; extensive information on each death was sourced and multidisciplinary expert clinical assessors were recruited to expert panels to review it. Data was available for analysis on 195 people who died as a consequence of asthma during the period under review. This article focuses on the findings of the review and its implications for practice.