New referral pathway strengthens integrated asthma care by providing expert support between appointments
The Asthma Society of Ireland has announced that healthcare professionals can now refer patients directly to its free Asthma Adviceline through the Healthlink electronic referral system, making it easier than ever for patients to access specialist asthma support between routine appointments.
The Asthma Adviceline is a free, nurse-led service that complements the care provided by GPs and practice nurses by offering personalised education and self-management support. The service is designed to help people better understand and manage their asthma, improve adherence to treatment plans, and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Practice nurses and GPs play a vital role in supporting people living with asthma, but asthma is a variable condition that often requires ongoing guidance beyond scheduled consultations. The new Healthlink referral pathway provides a seamless way to connect patients with specialist respiratory support when they need it.
Patients referred to the service receive advice from experienced Asthma Nurse Specialists with expertise across primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Depending on their needs, they may also receive specialist physiotherapy or dietetic support, alongside practical education on inhaler technique, Asthma Action Plans, trigger management, asthma control, lifestyle factors, and seasonal health.
The service works alongside existing clinical care by reinforcing the treatment plan agreed with the patient’s healthcare professional. It does not diagnose conditions or prescribe medication.
Evidence from the Asthma Adviceline demonstrates significant benefits for both patients and the wider health service. Among users who completed a follow-up survey:
- 73% reported fewer GP or out-of-hours visits
- 67% avoided attending an Emergency Department
- 68% reported fewer hospital admissions
- The proportion requiring no oral steroid courses increased from 11% to 35%
A retrospective review of 288 patients completing the Asthma Control Test through the service also found that 90% improved their asthma control scores, while every respondent said they would recommend the service.
The Asthma Society of Ireland is encouraging healthcare professionals to integrate referrals into routine asthma care, helping patients access expert advice and education between consultations while supporting better long-term asthma control.
Healthcare professionals can make referrals directly within Healthlink by selecting Asthma Society under the referral menu and choosing Asthma Adviceline.
“We know that asthma is a condition that requires ongoing support, not just care during scheduled appointments. The new Healthlink referral pathway makes it easier for healthcare professionals to connect patients with our free, nurse-led Asthma Adviceline, giving them access to trusted advice and education between consultations. By working alongside GPs and practice nurses, we can help more people improve their asthma control, build confidence in self-management and ultimately reduce avoidable flare-ups and hospital visits.” – Mary McDonald, Patient Services Manager, Asthma Society of Ireland
For further information about the Asthma Adviceline and the services available to patients and healthcare professionals, visit www.asthma.ie
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