#AskAboutAsthma returns for its eighth year on 9-15 September 2024. Led by the NHS England – London Babies, Children and Young People’s Transformation team. #AskAboutAsthma highlights the simple changes to children and young people’s care that will make a big difference to how they experience their asthma.
The aim is for every person involved in the care of a child or young person with asthma – from GPs and nurses to parents/carers, teachers and youth group leaders – to know about the four asks that can help every person to manage their condition and live full, active lives.
Children and young people with asthma should be supported to manage their condition in all areas of their lives – at home, school/college, and in the community. Following the 4 asks can help children and young people to live their best lives.
1. Get an asthma action plan in place
A written asthma action plan drawn up between a clinician and patient means people are four times less likely to have to go to hospital for their asthma.
2. Understand how to use inhalers correctly
Less than three-quarters of children and young people have any form of instruction in how to use their inhaler. Poor inhaler technique means patients don’t get the full benefit of their asthma medication.
3. Schedule an asthma review – every year and after every attack
An asthma review by an appropriately trained clinician after every attack helps to work out what went wrong. An annual review ensures effective management of the condition.
4. Consider air quality and its impact on lung health
We want to ensure that every asthma conversation considers the impact of outdoor and indoor air pollution on children and young people’s asthma.
The Hounslow Asthma Communications toolkit can be downloaded from the following links:
Throughout the week there will be webinars, podcasts, blogs, vlogs, social media activity and a one-day virtual conference. Details of the one-day conference can be found below.
One-day virtual conference
This year’s one-day virtual conference will be held on Thursday 12 September 2024.There will be sessions on:·Practical steps to help children and young people live their best lives with asthma. Vaping cessation in children and young people. Severe asthma referral - who isn't being referred? Clinical and national updates.
You can now register for the one-day virtual conference and book yourself a space.
Daily webinars
As part of #AskAboutAsthma 2024 we are hosting daily webinars from 9 – 13 September focused on children and young people’s asthma care. These events are designed for stakeholders across the spectrum of CYP asthma systems.
Asthma & air pollution webinar (Monday 9 September: 1.00 – 2.00): This webinar is aimed at anyone interested in air pollution and how it affects children and young people with asthma. We will hear from Connie Marsh and Viv Marsh on "Housing and helping children live their best lives", Rachel Tilford on an air quality and schools project in Merton and Tom Parkes on a borough based approach to improving air quality with Abi Whitehouse chairing. Register now for the Asthma & air pollution webinar.
Primary care webinar (Tuesday 10 September 1.00–2.00pm): This webinar will update you on developments in children and young people's asthma care. We will hear from Chris Griffiths (tbc) who will provide a refresh on children and young people’s asthma in primary care: 'How will the new guidance impact primary care?' and Richard Chavasse on how MART and AIR can improve asthma care for CYP with some practical tips for primary care, with Rosi Marsh chairing. Register now for the Primary care webinar.
Pharmacy webinar (Tuesday 10 September 7.30–8.30pm): This webinar will highlight best practice and innovation within CYP asthma. Chaired by Sukeshi Makhecha from the Evelina, we will hear from Meropi Mastropetrou how pharmacy is working with GP practices to improve CYP asthma care in Feltham & Bedfont Primary Care Network, from Darush Attar-Zadeh in North West London Integrated Care Board on how the new pharmacy data dashboard can improve CYP asthma care and from Shilpa Shah on the value of community pharmacists in managing asthma holistically in Newham. Register now for the Pharmacy webinar.
Nursing webinar (Wednesday 11 September 1.00–2.00pm): This webinar focuses on how nurses can support improvements in asthma care for CYP. We will hear from speakers around dysfunctional breathing, from Laura King from North East London on the safe use of salbutamol and from Carol Stonham in Gloucestershire on new diagnostic pathways for CYP asthma with Alison Summerfield chairing. Register now for the Nursing webinar.
Learn Live educational event for schools and parents and carers (Friday 13 September 10–10.30am): "How we can all support young people with asthma to live their best lives". Join us to hear what asthma is all about, why you need to know about it, how you can help your friends or yourself if you have asthma, and learn about risk factors like air pollution and vaping. Asthma shouldn’t get in the way of anyone living their best life. Register now for the Learn Live education event.