Scottish Confidential Inquiry into Asthma Deaths (SCIAD), 1994-6

Abstract

This population based study documents important improvements in the standard of asthma care as well as a significant decline in the rate of deaths due to asthma over a period during which the organisation of care has changed and the chronic nature of the disease has been acknowledged. Strategies which might have a further impact include the greater use of PEF recordings, particularly during acute attacks, to document recovery, prescription monitoring of the underuse of inhaled corticosteroids, consideration of the use of combined preparations where persistent overuse of bronchodilators is occurring, and increased input for young patients whose routine management is proving difficult.