Using GRASP COPD audit tool and Asthma case-finding tools to find undiagnosed breathlessness
Wessex AHSN is one of three selected national test sites for NHSIQ, leading the way in testing the suite of GRASP case-finding tools to find patients with undiagnosed breathlessness in primary care with specialist support to manage them in primary care.
Breathlessness is a common symptom that can be caused by a number of potentially serious and life-threatening conditions. Early diagnosis of the cause of breathlessness can improve outcomes for patients. However, more needs to be done to develop pathways and services to provide joined up care so that patients are not passed 'from pillar to post' to undergo the necessary diagnostic tests and receive the right treatment.
NHS Improving Quality Living, Longer Lives team has designed a programme of work to pilot new models of care, which facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment for people who experience breathlessness as a symptom. This involves supporting partners in three pilot sites in 2015.
Shortness of breath, or breathing difficulty, is the most common reason for visiting a hospital accident and emergency department. It's also one of the most common reasons people dial 999.
Unexpected breathlessness is most likely to be caused by one of the following health conditions, although this list is not exhaustive;
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