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Why is this important?
Inhalers account for 3-4% of the whole NHS carbon footprint. Of this, Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) use hydrofluoroalkanes (HFA) propellants which are potent greenhouse gases, 1000 – 3000 times more potent than carbon dioxide. In the UK approximately 70% of inhalers used are MDIs which is much higher than many other European Countries.
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges to health in medium and long-term and the consequences are likely to be wide and diverse.
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. The RCP ‘National Review of Asthma Deaths’ report published in 2014 highlighted the dangers of SABA overprescribing. Of the patients whose deaths were investigated, 36% had been prescribed 12 or more SABA inhalers in the previous 12 months.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class="qitaskouterrow"][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class="qigrey"][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]
What will I get for completing this project?
On completion of this QI project, the surgery will have met the criteria for the mandatory QIF green inhaler project worth 35 QIF points.
You will also get a certificate for your work to show the number of patients you have impacted and be able to use this QI project as evidence towards CPD and professional revalidation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class="qitaskouterrow"][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class="qigrey"][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]
Who is this project suitable for?
All surgeries in Wales[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class="qitaskouterrow"][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class="qigrey"][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]
The aim of this 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 by:
1) A reduction in the use of inhalers with high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and instead greater use of inhalers with a lower GWP. Some inhalers have a greater carbon footprint than others. In general, MDIs have a higher carbon footprint than DPIs.
2) A reduction in the overreliance of Short Acting Beta Agonist (SABA) reliever inhalers where possible by improving prevention and reducing ineffective use/prescribing of SABAs[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class="qitaskouterrow"][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class="qigrey"][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]
Getting started
Start by working through the set-up phase of this project, setting yourself a goal according to the time you have available to dedicate to this project.
Use the search tools and SPIRA decarbonisation dashboard to benchmark your work and monitor your progress.
Ensure your team are aware of the project and you have been given the authorisation from your practice manager to complete the project.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
