An audit of the British Thoracic Society asthma discharge care bundle in a teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: The UK asthma mortality rate has risen by 33% over a decade. The national enquiry into 195 asthma-related deaths revealed that most of these deaths were preventable. The Asthma Discharge Care Bundle (ADCB) is recommended for use when discharging patients with an acute asthma attack and/or exacerbation. Aim: To review the implementation of the British Thoracic Society (BTS) bundle in a teaching hospital. Methods: A 12-month retrospective audit was conducted on 86 adult patients treated for asthma attacks. Findings: The results of the audit indicated that the hospital has complied with the ADCB. In total, 85% of patients had their inhaler technique checked, but 62% of them were not provided with any written inhaler use instructions. The respiratory clinical nurse specialists were more compliant with most of the bundle statements than the medical team. Conclusion: The findings highlighted the need for asthma education sessions for all health professionals with emphasis on record-keeping skills.