Lung disease awareness campaigns
Two major public health campaigns focusing on raising awareness of the symptoms of lung disease are being launched this week.
Public Health England campaign
Public Health England will be running a “Be Clear on Cancer campaign” focusing on the respiratory symptoms of a persistent cough and inappropriate breathlessness to encourage people with these symptoms to see their doctor.
The aim is to improve earlier diagnosis of heart and lung disease, including cancer and COPD.
The campaign will urge people to see their doctor if:
- They get out of breath doing things they used to be able to do
- They’ve had a cough for three weeks or more
The campaign, which will run until October, will target men and women aged 50 and over, people from lower socio-economic groups and influencers, such as friends and family. Further information and resources related to the campaign can be found HERE
British Lung Foundation campaign
The British Lung Foundation (BLF) is running a year long “Listen to your lungs” campaign which aims to:
- Increase awareness that breathlessness can be a symptom of COPD
- Encourage people to ask healthcare professionals about their breathlessness
The BLF, in conjunction with PCRS-UK Executive Chair Elect, Noel Baxter has developed a quick online test that asks ten easy questions based around the MRC breathlessness scale which will help people to decide whether they need to see a GP. The aim is to reassure people who don't have a problem and guide only those with significant breathlessness to make an appointment with their GP. The breath test is available HERE.
PCRS-UK fully supports public awareness campaigns particularly if they raise awareness of lung disease and help to find the so called “missing millions” who are living with undiagnosed respiratory conditions.
Practices may be concerned that these campaigns will increase their workload. Public Health England says analysis of the first national lung campaign in 2012 showed that the number of patients aged over 50 presenting with a persistent cough went up 64% – the equivalent of just over 3 additional visits per practice per week. PCRS-UK suggests that practices can encourage patients to complete the BLF breath test before making an appointment.
The PCRS-UK annual conference, Fit for the future: a holistic approach to respiratory care on 14th-15th October at the Telford International Centre, has some key sessions for clinicians interested in refreshing their knowledge of breathlessness and cough including:-
- A clinical symposia on personalising care for the breathless patient
- A workshop on helping patients to live with breathlessness- the practicalities
- 'Grand Round' closing plenary featuring three cough based case studies
For further information on the PCRS-UK conference visit the website HERE and to register CLICK HERE
The PCRS-UK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability for, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any archived material or linked website. this is an archived resource.