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Asthma Management Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} provides safe, effective, and person-centred care to people we support who have asthma. Asthma is a long-term respiratory condition that can cause severe breathing difficulties if not managed properly. This policy outlines the procedures for managing asthma symptoms, preventing exacerbations, and responding to emergencies. It ensures that all staff members are well-equipped to support individuals with asthma, reducing the risk of severe attacks and hospitalisations while promoting overall well-being and independence.

Scope

This policy applies to all staff within {{org_field_name}}, including carers, support workers, registered nurses, and management. It is relevant to all individuals who use our services and have a diagnosed asthma condition or who are at risk of developing respiratory issues. The policy covers daily asthma management, medication administration, environmental considerations, training requirements, and emergency response procedures. Additionally, it ensures compliance with Scottish health and social care regulations and best practices.

Related Policies

To ensure a holistic approach to asthma management, this policy should be read in conjunction with the following:

• Medication Management Policy – for procedures on medication administration and storage.
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy – to reduce environmental triggers related to infection and hygiene.
• Risk Assessment and Management Policy – for assessing environmental and personal risks associated with asthma.
• Emergency Response Policy – for guidelines on responding to severe asthma attacks.
• Personal Planning Policy – ensuring asthma care is tailored to individual needs and documented properly.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following legislation and guidelines to ensure best practice in asthma care within domiciliary settings in Scotland:

• Health and Social Care Standards Scotland – ensuring care is safe, person-centred, and respects dignity.
• The National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP) Guidelines – outlining national best practices for asthma care.
• The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 – setting legal requirements for care service providers.
• The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Asthma Management Guidelines – clinical guidelines for asthma management.
• The SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers – ensuring professional conduct and competencies among staff.
• National Care Standards: Care at Home – establishing quality standards for individuals receiving home care support.

Understanding Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways, causing inflammation and narrowing, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, coughing, and chest tightness. The severity of symptoms can vary from mild to life-threatening. It is essential to understand the following aspects of asthma:

• Triggers: Common triggers include dust, pollen, smoke, stress, cold air, respiratory infections, and physical exertion.
• Types of Medication: Asthma is typically managed using reliever inhalers (short-acting bronchodilators) for immediate symptom relief and preventer inhalers (steroid-based) for long-term management.
• Personalised Management: Each person experiences asthma differently, so care plans should be tailored to individual needs, focusing on symptom control and lifestyle adjustments.

Personal Planning and Risk Assessment

Each person we support with asthma must have a Personal Asthma Management Plan integrated into their overall personal care plan. This should be developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and should include:

• A comprehensive list of known asthma triggers.
• Daily self-management strategies, including peak flow monitoring if applicable.
• A medication schedule outlining dosage and frequency.
• Recognition of early warning signs and steps to take when symptoms worsen.
• Emergency contact details and an action plan for severe attacks.

A thorough risk assessment should be conducted to identify and mitigate environmental factors that could exacerbate asthma symptoms, such as household allergens, pet dander, or exposure to tobacco smoke. Regular reviews should be carried out to ensure the plan remains up to date.

Medication Management

Effective asthma management relies on the correct use of prescribed medications. Staff should be trained to:

• Understand the difference between reliever and preventer inhalers.
• Assist individuals with inhaler techniques, ensuring maximum efficacy.
• Recognise when a person requires medication based on their symptoms.
• Record medication use accurately in line with the Medication Management Policy.
• Ensure medications are stored safely and easily accessible in emergencies.
• Monitor for side effects and report any adverse reactions to healthcare professionals.

Identifying and Managing Triggers

Minimising exposure to asthma triggers is key to preventing attacks. Staff should actively work with individuals to identify and manage common triggers by:

• Encouraging a smoke-free environment – ensuring individuals and visitors adhere to no-smoking policies.
• Maintaining good indoor air quality – through ventilation, air purifiers, and regular cleaning.
• Reducing exposure to allergens – such as dust mites, pet dander, mould, and pollen.
• Avoiding strong fragrances and aerosols – which can irritate airways.
• Monitoring weather conditions – cold air and humidity changes can affect asthma, so precautions should be taken when going outdoors.

If an individual experiences worsening asthma symptoms due to environmental factors, staff must document the incident and take appropriate action to prevent future occurrences.

Emergency Response

Asthma attacks can escalate quickly and require immediate action. Staff must be able to identify the signs of an asthma attack and respond accordingly. Symptoms of an attack include:

• Increased wheezing, persistent coughing, or breathlessness.
• Difficulty speaking due to shortness of breath.
• Rapid breathing or shallow breaths.
• Cyanosis (bluish lips or fingernails indicating oxygen deprivation).

Steps to take during an asthma attack:

1. Reassure the individual – Encourage them to remain calm and take slow breaths.
2. Administer the reliever inhaler – Help them take one puff every 30–60 seconds, up to 10 puffs if needed.
3. Encourage an upright position – Sitting upright helps keep airways open.
4. Call 999 or 112 if symptoms do not improve after 10 puffs or if the individual becomes drowsy or unresponsive.
5. Continue assisting with inhaler use until emergency services arrive.
6. Record the incident and notify relevant healthcare providers and family members.

Training and Staff Responsibilities

To ensure the highest standard of care, all staff must undergo regular asthma management training, covering:

• How to recognise asthma symptoms and differentiate between mild and severe attacks.
• Safe administration of inhalers and the importance of correct inhaler technique.
• Emergency response procedures and how to provide immediate first aid.
• How to identify and manage environmental triggers.
• Understanding personalised asthma management plans and risk assessments.

Training must be refreshed annually or whenever new guidelines or best practices are introduced.

Communication and Collaboration

Effective asthma care requires coordination between individuals, families, carers, and healthcare professionals. Staff should:

• Maintain clear communication channels with GPs, pharmacists, and asthma specialists.
• Educate individuals and their families on self-management techniques and symptom monitoring.
• Regularly review personal asthma plans to ensure they remain effective and reflect current health conditions.
• Encourage shared decision-making, ensuring individuals have a voice in their care.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

Accurate and detailed record-keeping is essential for tracking asthma symptoms and medication use. Staff must document:

• The date and time of medication administration.
• Symptoms observed and any potential triggers identified.
• The individual’s response to medication and whether medical intervention was needed.
• Any modifications made to the personal asthma plan following a healthcare review.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, best practices, or the specific needs of the people we support. Regular updates ensure continued compliance with best practices in asthma management within domiciliary care settings.

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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}}
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