Solving the £260m Inhaler Problem: A Supportive Approach in Respiratory Prescribing
Inhaler prescribing got easier with NHS Right Breathe
Inhalers are a lifeline for people living with chronic respiratory conditions.
But the number and complexity of inhaler devices are ever-growing. From a handful of devices 10 years ago. There are now over 150 device and steroid combinations.
The National Health Service (NHS) is on the frontline. And this rise in complexity has led to a rise in spending. Over £260m is now spent every year on patient inhalers.
The Challenges with Prescribing Inhalers
GPs have long faced challenges when it comes to prescribing inhalers.
Identifying the correct step of the clinical pathway. And selecting a device the patient can physically use. There isn't detailed information about each option. So they must rely on their experience or colleagues' advice.
For patients, it’s similarly complicated. Research shows that only 25% of patients receive inhaler training. And those that do often find it inadequate.
Incorrect inhaler usage will lead to higher usage and deplete the medication quicker. It also increases the risk of serious attacks that lead to hospitalisation.
Finding the Answer
Our clients at the London Procurement Partnership (LPP) had their fingers on the pulse! They assembled a diverse team from all corners of London.
- UK Medicines Information (UKMI)
- London Respiratory Network (LRN)
- The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)
- Imperial College Health Partners
They crafted an impactful solution to solve this challenging problem. A searchable inhaler marketplace containing every inhaler and spacer.
Crafting a Great User Experience
We adopted an Agile way of working across the team. For many, it was their first experience with Agile. So we used Kanban and spent time educating the team on the various ceremonies.
Pretty soon we had a good rhythm - delivering features, reviewing, and releasing.
We ran user testing throughout development. Making improvements to the app and website as we went.
How NHS Right Breathe Helps
The NHS Right Breathe website provides GPs with a searchable list of all inhalers. Each inhaler has detailed prescribing information and links to clinical pathways. Healthcare professionals can now make better-informed prescriptions for their patients.
The app gives patients every bit of information about their inhaler. They have videos to improve their technique. And in-built reminders to keep them on track.
Final Results: Successful Patient-Clinician Relationships
Right Breathe has become a total success story! It's no surprise that this revolutionary system is making waves across the NHS. It has a high-adoption rate and brilliant reviews.
With a single idea, we've made it possible to transform the user experience. If you'd like the same support and success- don't hesitate to reach out! We're ready for the challenge.
