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Asthma Management Policy

1. Purpose

This policy aims to ensure that all people we support with asthma receive appropriate, timely, and person-centred care in line with best practice guidelines and the latest CQC regulations. Asthma is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects the airways, leading to episodes of breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Without proper management, asthma can lead to severe health complications, including life-threatening attacks.

Our care home is committed to implementing robust asthma management protocols to reduce the risk of exacerbations, minimise hospital admissions, and improve the overall well-being of individuals with asthma. This policy aligns with Regulation 9 – Person-Centred Care​, Regulation 12 – Safe Care and Treatment​, and Regulation 13 – Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment​.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals receiving care within our service who have been diagnosed with asthma. It also covers:

• All staff members involved in the care and support of individuals with asthma, including care workers, registered nurses, and managers.
• Family members, advocates, and healthcare professionals collaborating on asthma management.
• The safe storage, administration, and monitoring of asthma medications, including reliever and preventer inhalers.
• Emergency response procedures in the event of an asthma attack.
• Staff training, ensuring competency in asthma care and medication administration.

This policy applies to both individuals with mild, moderate, and severe asthma, ensuring tailored support based on their specific condition.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• CH07 – Person-Centred Care Policy (Ensuring individual needs and preferences are met).
• CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy (Preventing unsafe care and treatment).
• CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (Ensuring individuals are protected from neglect or harm).
• CH16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy (Managing risks related to asthma triggers).
• CH21 – Medication Management and Administration Policy (Safe storage and administration of inhalers and nebulisers).
• CH36 – Initial Assessment and Care Planning Policy (Developing individualised asthma care plans).
• CH42 – Communication and Engagement with Service Users and Families Policy (Keeping families informed about asthma management).

4. Responsibilities

• Registered Manager: Ensures staff compliance with this policy, liaises with healthcare professionals, and oversees medication safety.
• Care Staff: Follow asthma care plans, assist with medication administration, monitor symptoms, and respond to emergencies.
• People We Support and Their Families: Engage in asthma care planning, provide accurate medical history, and report any concerns.
• Healthcare Professionals (GPs, Nurses, Respiratory Specialists): Conduct assessments, review treatment plans, and provide specialist guidance.

5. Identification and Assessment of Asthma Needs

Each person we support with asthma must have:

• A detailed assessment upon admission, including:
  • Medical history of asthma, frequency, and severity of attacks.
  • Known triggers (e.g., pollen, cold air, smoke, exercise).
  • Current medications, including inhalers and oral steroids.
• A personalised asthma care plan, developed collaboratively with healthcare professionals and families.
• A record of peak flow readings, where applicable, to track lung function and early signs of deterioration.
• Regular reassessments to update care plans based on any changes in condition or treatment.

6. Medication Management

• All asthma medications (relievers, preventers, and emergency steroids) must be stored securely in a designated medication area.
• Medications should be clearly labelled, including expiry dates, dosage, and administration instructions.
• Care staff must be trained to support individuals in correct inhaler techniques, including the use of spacers for effective delivery.
• Medication reviews should be conducted regularly in partnership with GPs to adjust treatment where necessary.
• Emergency backup inhalers must always be available within the care home.

7. Emergency Management of Asthma Attacks

In the event of an asthma attack, staff must:

1. Assess the severity of symptoms, identifying signs of mild, moderate, or severe distress.
2. Follow the individual’s asthma action plan, ensuring timely administration of the prescribed reliever inhaler (Salbutamol).
3. Encourage slow, deep breathing and maintain a calm environment.
4. If symptoms persist after five minutes, administer a second dose of the reliever inhaler.
5. Seek emergency medical assistance (999) if:
   • The individual’s condition does not improve after using their reliever inhaler.
   • They experience extreme difficulty in breathing or cannot speak in full sentences.
   • Their lips or skin turn blue or pale.
   • They become unresponsive or drowsy.
6. Continue providing reassurance and monitoring symptoms until emergency help arrives.

8. Preventative Measures

• Conduct regular environmental risk assessments to identify and eliminate asthma triggers, such as dust, smoke, and pet dander.
• Maintain clean and well-ventilated living spaces to reduce indoor air pollutants.
• Encourage individuals to take their preventer medication daily, as prescribed, to reduce asthma exacerbations.
• Offer annual flu vaccinations to individuals with asthma, reducing the risk of respiratory infections.
• Promote healthy lifestyle choices, including smoking cessation support and regular exercise where appropriate.

9. Staff Training and Competency

• All care staff must complete asthma awareness training as part of their induction.
• Training must cover:
  • Recognising asthma symptoms and early warning signs.
  • Correct use of inhalers and spacers.
  • Managing an asthma attack, including emergency response protocols.
  • Understanding personalised asthma care plans.
• Competency assessments should be conducted annually to ensure staff retain the necessary skills to manage asthma safely.

10. Communication and Record Keeping

• Daily monitoring of asthma symptoms should be recorded in individual care plans.
• Any changes in symptoms must be communicated to family members, GPs, and respiratory specialists.
• Serious incidents, such as hospitalisation due to asthma, must be reported to CQC, in line with Regulation 18 – Notification of Other Incidents​.
• Regular team meetings should review asthma management practices and identify any areas for improvement.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains up to date with best practice guidelines, CQC regulations, and legislative changes. Updates will be made sooner if required due to changes in asthma management protocols, medications, or care home requirements.

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