Revised GINA guidelines launched by the Asthma Society of Ireland and the ICGP

New guidelines are adapted for Irish healthcare professionals

Dr Margaret O'Riordan, ICGP National Director, Dr Jean Holohan, CEO The Asthma Society of Ireland,
Dr Pat Manning, Chairman of The Asthma Society of Ireland Medical Board.

The Asthma Society of Ireland together with the Quality in Practice Committee of the ICGP has adapted the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines specifically for Irish healthcare professionals. Entitled 'Asthma in Control in General Practice', the guidelines are intended to encourage best practice asthma management for the 470,000 people in Ireland living with asthma.  The guidelines have been endorsed by the ICGP who worked with the Asthma Society of Ireland in developing the document to encourage best practice primary care management of asthma symptoms in order to ensure the best possible outcome for patients.

The revised guidelines for Ireland provide in-depth information on the management of asthma including information on clinical diagnosis, doctor/patient partnership, identifying and reducing exposure to risk factors, assessment, treatment and monitoring of asthma and managing asthma exacerbations. The guidelines also feature a sample written asthma plan for patients which, as part of a guided self- management approach, can improve asthma control; this includes information on when and how to increase treatment and when to call the doctor/clinic.

In Finland where evidence based guidelines were successfully implemented, the burden of asthma has decreased considerably.  The number of hospital fell by 54% and mortality decreased by 90%. The cost of asthma care also fell significantly with the cost per patient decreasing by 36%.  The Finnish experience demonstrates that it is possible to reduce the morbidity and mortality of asthma and its impact on individuals as well as on society.
'I am delighted that the Irish College of General Practitioners has agreed to support the implement the evidenced-based International GINA Asthma Management and Treatment Guidelines. The Asthma Society of Ireland has worked closely with the Quality in Practice Committee of the  ICGP in the preparation of this document and it is our hope that this will improve the care of the 470,000 people with asthma in Ireland' said Dr Jean Holohan, CEO Asthma Society of Ireland.

Dr Margaret O'Riordan, ICGP National Director for Specialist Training in General Practice commented 'Ireland has one the highest rates of asthma in Europe and the 4th highest in the world. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of greater focus on asthma management and control. We believe that the new guidelines are a step in the right direction to help reduce asthma morbidity and mortality in Ireland'.