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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Asthma Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} provides a safe, effective, and person-centred approach to managing asthma in service users. This policy outlines the procedures for asthma prevention, symptom recognition, emergency response, and medication management, ensuring compliance with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations and best practice guidelines.

Our objectives are to:

• Ensure service users with asthma receive appropriate support and interventions to maintain their well-being.
• Reduce the risk of asthma attacks by identifying triggers and implementing preventative measures.
• Ensure staff are trained to recognise and respond effectively to asthma symptoms and emergencies.
• Provide clear guidance on medication management, including the use of inhalers and nebulisers.
• Ensure collaboration with healthcare professionals to monitor and review asthma care plans.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Service users diagnosed with asthma receiving care from {{org_field_name}}.
• Families and carers, ensuring a collaborative approach to asthma management.
• All employees, including care workers, managers, and administrative staff.
• The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual, responsible for compliance and oversight.
• Healthcare professionals, including GPs, respiratory nurses, and pharmacists.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, ensuring safe and effective care delivery.
• The Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017, outlining the responsibilities of care providers.
• The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, promoting person-centred care and well-being.
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, ensuring a safe environment for service users and staff.
• The Medicines Act 1968, governing the administration and management of medications.
• NICE Guidelines on Asthma Management, ensuring best practices in asthma care and treatment.

4. Understanding Asthma and Its Impact

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can cause breathing difficulties, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Proper management and preventative measures are essential to reduce the risk of severe asthma attacks.

4.1 Staff Training and Awareness

All staff must be trained to:

• Recognise the symptoms of asthma and respond promptly.
• Understand common asthma triggers and how to reduce exposure.
• Administer prescribed asthma medication safely and effectively.
• Support service users in developing self-management skills.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Mandatory asthma management training is provided to all care staff.
• Refresher training is conducted annually, or sooner if required.
• A designated asthma lead is available to support staff with queries or concerns.

4.2 Common Asthma Triggers

Asthma symptoms can be triggered by various environmental and lifestyle factors, including:

• Dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mould.
• Cold air or sudden temperature changes.
• Strong smells, perfumes, or cleaning chemicals.
• Smoke, pollution, or allergens.
• Respiratory infections, stress, and physical exertion.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Home environment assessments are conducted to identify and minimise triggers.
• Cleaning products and air fresheners are carefully selected to avoid irritants.
• Service users are encouraged to use allergen-proof bedding and maintain ventilation.

5. Individual Asthma Care Plans

Every service user with asthma will have an individualised asthma care plan developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals.

5.1 Contents of an Asthma Care Plan

Each asthma care plan must include:

• A summary of the service user’s asthma history and severity.
• Identified triggers and avoidance strategies.
• Medication details, including reliever and preventer inhalers.
• Instructions on inhaler technique and spacer use.
• Guidance on recognising worsening symptoms and early intervention steps.
• Emergency action plans for asthma attacks.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Care plans are reviewed regularly and updated if symptoms change.
• All staff supporting the service user receive a copy of their asthma action plan.

5.2 Monitoring Symptoms and Managing Exacerbations

Service users with asthma require ongoing monitoring to identify early signs of deterioration, including:

• Increased use of reliever inhalers.
• Frequent night-time symptoms.
• Increased breathlessness or wheezing.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Care workers complete daily symptom monitoring logs.
• Concerns are escalated to the GP or asthma specialist promptly.

6. Medication Management

6.1 Administering Inhalers and Nebulisers

• Reliever inhalers (e.g., Salbutamol) should be carried by the service user or stored in an easily accessible location.
• Preventer inhalers (e.g., steroid inhalers) must be taken as prescribed.
• Nebulisers should only be used under healthcare guidance and cleaned regularly.

How we manage this efficiently:

• All medication administration is recorded in the Medication Administration Record (MAR).
• Staff receive hands-on training in correct inhaler and spacer techniques.
• Medication storage and expiry dates are checked regularly.

6.2 Emergency Access to Medication

• Reliever inhalers must always be accessible to service users.
• A backup inhaler should be available, as per individual care plans.
• If a service user does not have their inhaler, emergency protocols must be followed.

How we manage this efficiently:

• A checklist ensures all inhalers are in-date and accessible.
• Emergency protocols are clearly displayed in service users’ homes.

7. Managing an Asthma Attack

7.1 Recognising an Asthma Attack

An asthma attack occurs when symptoms worsen rapidly. Warning signs include:

• Severe breathlessness or difficulty speaking.
• Coughing, wheezing, or tightness in the chest.
• No improvement after using a reliever inhaler.

7.2 Emergency Response Procedure

1. Stay calm and reassure the service user.
2. Help them take their reliever inhaler (usually 2-4 puffs every 30-60 seconds, up to 10 puffs max).
3. Encourage slow, deep breaths and a comfortable sitting position.
4. Call 999 if symptoms do not improve after 10 puffs or if they worsen.
5. Continue giving one puff of reliever inhaler every minute while waiting for emergency help.

How we manage this efficiently:

• All staff are trained in asthma emergency response.
• An emergency action plan is included in every service user’s care plan.
• A debrief process follows any asthma emergency to improve future responses.

8. Supporting Emotional Well-being

Asthma can impact a person’s mental health and confidence. {{org_field_name}} ensures that:

• Service users receive emotional support in managing their condition.
• Stress-reducing activities and breathing exercises are encouraged.
• Care workers are trained to provide reassurance and reduce anxiety.

9. Related Policies

This policy aligns with:

• Medication Management Policy (DCW21).
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18).
• Emergency Response and First Aid Policy (DCW25).
• Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW22).

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to legislative changes, business needs, or CIW updates. The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual are responsible for ensuring compliance.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.