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Targeted routine asthma care in general practice using telephone triage.
Kevin Gruffydd-Jones1, Sandra Hollinghurst, Sabbi Ward
1University of Aberdeen. Kevin.Gruffydd-Jones@gp-J83013.nhs.uk
Summary
Routine asthma care via telephone triage improves patient reviews and reduces costs without compromising asthma control. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional clinic-based general practice care.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Respiratory Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- High non-attendance rates challenge traditional clinic-based asthma care.
- Need for alternative methods to deliver routine asthma care in general practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cost and effectiveness of telephone triage for routine asthma care against usual clinic-based care.
- Evaluate asthma control, health status, and NHS resource utilization.
Main Methods:
- Open randomised controlled trial in a single semi-rural general practice.
- Adult asthma patients randomized to telephone triage or usual clinic care.
- 12-month study measuring asthma control (ACQ), health status, and NHS costs.
Main Results:
- Telephone triage led to 35% more patients receiving multiple consultations.
- Asthma control was similar between telephone and clinic groups (mean ACQ change: -0.18 vs -0.11).
- Mean annual NHS costs were lower for telephone triage (£210) vs clinic care (£334).
Conclusions:
- Telephone triage for adult asthma patients increases reviews.
- This method is more cost-effective per patient.
- Asthma control is maintained compared to usual clinic care.