Abstract
Aim
To review methods used by general practitioners to transfer patients to CFC-free inhalers and to obtain the views of practices on the impact of the SMART project, a managed transition programme for primary care.
Method
An audit (in the latter part of 2000) of transition methods employed by two primary care practices to change eligible patients over to CFC-free devices was carried out. Questionnaires were distributed to all practices who had participated in the transition programme.
Results
The audit of the two practices showed that a significant proportion (87%) of eligible patients transferred to CFC-free devices. Review of responses from 80 participating practices who had completed the questionnaire indicated that 90% felt a managed transition is beneficial for patients.
Conclusions
A managed changeover to CFC-free devices enables practices to assess patient treatment plans and to ensure that patients are adequately informed about issues surrounding the changeover. It also has the potential to improve patient compliance with treatment. While the transfer of patients does have time and resource implications for practices, a plan that is well organised and implemented delivers more effective and improved patient care.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wallace, G., Hopkinson, L., Crockett, S. et al. Managing the transition to CFC-free inhalers: case studies from the SMART nurse project. Prim Care Respir J 11, 47–51 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/pcrj.2002.17
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/pcrj.2002.17