PCRS Position Statement - Respiratory health inequality: Poverty

Tackling smoking, reducing air pollution, improving access to healthcare for those experiencing health inequality and an improved focus on research and development to fit the needs of people experiencing health inequality should be the priorities for systems wanting to make respiratory health outcomes equal. Whilst primary care is in an ideal position to screen for, recognise, and treat the effects of poverty on respiratory health, the evidence for prevention interventions that have a direct effect on poverty are limited and do not have strong evidence to support them. Respiratory health integration intentions must go beyond health service systems to also include social and voluntary sectors to impact on the drivers of poverty related poor respiratory health.