Metered-dose inhalers contain man made liquefied, compressed hydrofluorocarbons gases that act as a propellant to atomise the drug to deliver the medicine to the patient. HFCs, although not ozone depleting, are still potent greenhouse gases, and contribute to global warming and climate change. In the UK approximately 70% of inhalers used are MDIs which is much higher than many other European countries.
The aim of this National Welsh Standard, is to reduce NHS Wales’ carbon footprint by reducing the percentage of metered dose inhalers prescribed, from 70% to less than 20%, by 2025. The Green Agenda will outline which inhalers are better for the environment, provide clarity on how to switch inhalers safely (adults and children) and how to follow up patients following the switch.
With climate change directly responsible for detrimental health impacts, the climate crisis has been described as the greatest health threat ever seen, as well as the greatest health opportunity. Millions of lives can be saved from more ambitious climate action.
In particular, inhaler prescribing can have a huge environmental impact.
Joining us in the studio is Dr Stacey Harris, Paediatrician and Welsh Clinical Leadership Fellow in Sustainable Healthcare 2021/2022
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All-Wales COPD Management and Prescribing Guideline |
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All-Wales Adult Asthma Management and Prescribing Guideline |
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A short slide presentation for HCPs to use to help make sustainability a priority
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For internal discussion about this Green Inhaler QI Project.
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NHS Wales held an event to discuss the environmental impact of inhalers used to treat asthma and COPD
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A suggested template for recording your practice’s progress against the QI project, for submission to your healthboard on completion
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A template letter, for practices to let their community pharmacy colleagues know that they are undertaking this project
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NICE have produced a patient decision aid to support inhaler choice for patients and HCPs
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This is a self-test designed to help asthma patients understand if they are over-reliant on their reliever inhaler
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Improving the diagnostic certainty and treatment optimisation of patients on COPD register
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Inviting patients for a review of their asthma, particularly those who are high SABA users.
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How NHS Wales can play its part in the recovery and its commitment to the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
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QMS Contract 2022/2023 – Mandatory
Please note - this is a supporting toolkit for the QIF Mandatory Green Inhaler QI Project
This QI project will reduce the environmental impact of respiratory prescribing and help achieve the targets of the NHS Wales Decarbonisation Strategic Delivery Plan
Overuse of SABA inhalers, in asthma, is associated with increased risk of exacerbation and mortality as well as contributing hugely to the NHS carbon footprint.