by New research reveals that a staggering 82% of asthma patients who were hospitalized did not receive the recommended two-day follow-up care between 2017 and 2019. The findings, published in the British Journal of General Practice, analyzed electronic healthcare records of over 17,000 patients aged five and above. The study highlights significant gaps in the implementation of primary care appointments within the recommended 48-hour period after a hospital visit.
Alarmingly, the study also found that only 60% of patients had a follow-up appointment within a 28-day period, indicating further delays in receiving necessary care. Dr. Shamil Haroon from the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Applied Health Research, who was the senior author of the study, expressed concern over the inadequate follow-up care provided to individuals following an asthma attack. The findings reveal a worrying disparity in the level of care received by certain patients, particularly among black patients.
Dr. Haroon emphasized the need for robust plans to be implemented, ensuring that these recommendations for follow-up care are adhered to more closely. It is crucial to address the existing inequalities in healthcare provision and to scrutinize cases where the recommended standards are not met.
The study also discovered significant disparities concerning asthma management among black patients. Dr. Prasad Nagakumar, the senior author of the study from Birmingham Children’s Hospital, revealed that black patients included in the research received less care related to asthma management compared to their white peers. Depending on age, black patients were found to be between 27% and 54% less likely to receive the same level of care.
The researchers argue that these findings underscore the inadequacy in implementing the recommendations outlined in the 2014 national review of asthma deaths, especially regarding the follow-up care of hospitalized asthma patients. It is crucial for policymakers to review these recommendations and develop strategies to address the health disparities faced by black and ethnic minority groups, who are at a higher risk of fatal and near-fatal asthma attacks.
Additionally, the study revealed other concerning statistics regarding patient care. While 57% of patients were provided with medication following their appointment, only 13% received asthma reviews, 8% were given management plans, and a mere 1% of smokers were offered cessation counseling.
These findings highlight the urgent need to prioritize follow-up care for asthma patients to prevent complications and ensure better management of the condition. Addressing the disparities in healthcare provision and implementing comprehensive care plans would significantly contribute to reducing the burden of asthma and improving patient outcomes.
