Abstract

Introduction:
Biologics are potentially “life-changing” therapies for appropriate patients with severe asthma. The Pro-HNY-Bio Project aimed to improve access to biologics across Humber and North Yorkshire (HNY).
Methods:
1. Engagement and Education: An education and public awareness campaign was undertaken with HNY communities and primary care providers to raise awareness and provide education about severe asthma and biologics.
2. Patient identification, review and facilitated referral of potentially biologic eligible severe asthma patients within deprived regions of HNY. This involved 3-phases: i) out-reach into primary care to run searches to identify patients; ii) review in primary care with optimisation of asthma care; and iii) facilitated referral to the severe asthma service.
3. Evaluation: i) data were collected relating to education and engagement activities; ii) biologics prescribing across HNY was quantified before and after project delivery; and iii) targeted patient identification, review and facilitated referral were characterised including patient demographics and asthma features. Data are presented descriptively.
Results:
Education and engagement: 11 activities were undertaken, reaching 431 health care professionals with 435 minutes of education delivered. Public engagement was achieved through a regional publication and radio interview.
The number of patients prescribed biologics at the start of the project was 197, increasing to 337 at the end.
Of 253 patients identified as potentially biologic eligible, 80 have been invited for clinical review. Of 47 reviewed so far, 7 have been referred for biologic evaluation (Tables 1,2). Many of these patients were from the most deprived IMD decile (Figure).
Conclusion:
The HNY region has seen a significant increase in the number of patients prescribed biological therapies for asthma. This is likely due to improvement in clinical pathways. The impact of initiatives in primary care need further evaluation. A targeted approach can improve asthma outcomes and increase access from deprived areas to specialist care.