8 - Monitoring Skills

Summary

Non-medical prescribing is increasingly important in the NHS, as is a multidisciplinary approach to asthma management in both primary and secondary care. The chapter on asthma prescribing and monitoring focuses on a stepwise approach to management in line with national guidelines and the importance of regular review of symptom control. Factors to consider when choosing the appropriate inhaler, including the assessment of inhaler technique, are outlined. The asthma medications commonly prescribed in primary care are discussed in terms of their utility, position in the stepwise management of asthma and common side effects. Drugs initiated or prescribed by asthma specialist teams in secondary or tertiary care are also covered. The chapter concludes with a number of resources for future reference.