Abstract
In primary health care asthma, allergies and COPD are common diseases with increasing prevalence, causing both
human suffering and huge costs for society. A structured treatment with well-functioning asthma/COPD-clinics
has been found to improve the care of these patients.
In 2013 the County Council/Region Skane made a decision to certify the asthma/COPD-clinics in primary health care. The Swedish national criteria for asthma/COPD clinics from 2008 were used.(1)
The aim of the certification process was to ensure the quality of care regarding the patients with asthma, allergy and COPD.
Methods; A web-based questionnaire was sent all 150 primary care clinics in Skane and 108 clinics responded.
Requirements that must be met for before certification
1. An educated asthma/COPD nurse 15 credits (Bolonga) or more
2. Dedicated time for the nurse should be at least 2 hours a week per 1,000 listed patients
2. A specialist in general medicine should be medically responsible for the clinic.
3. Both the nurse and the general practitioner must have completed the " Spirometry driving license" (a Swedish national education program in spirometry).
4. Smoking cessation program
6. Registration in The Swedish Airway Registry.
Results In January 2014, only ten of the 150 clinics qualified, but already after four months the criteria were fulfilled by 48 clinics. The level of education has increased, more members of the staff have been trained
in spirometry, the dedicated patient time for the nurse has been extended and more clinics have connected to "The
Swedish airway registry".
Conclusion
By certifying asthma and COPD clinics both the education level and the allocated time for patients can be
increased.
- © 2014 ERS