New Australian research identifies quality improvement program to reduce asthma and COPD exacerbations
- thuytienvuong
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
The real-world observational study titled, "A 21-practice evaluation of an asthma and COPD quality improvement program”, has found that the Achieving Clinical Audits Using Electronic Medical Records (ACAER) quality improvement program (QI), delivered by Optimum Patient Care (OPCA) in Australian primary care, may drive treatment change and reduce exacerbations among high-risk* asthma and COPD patients. Following the completion of the ACAER Asthma program, annual exacerbation rates reduced significantly, particularly in the asthma group (see Figure 1).
The ACAER program also prompted a change in reliever or maintenance inhaled therapies with:
48% of asthma patients changing therapy in the first year, with 39% in the second year and 30% in the third year
59% of COPD patients changing therapy in the first year, with 51% in the second year and 38% in the third year
Figure 1: Exacerbation rates per month before and after the program
The study was conducted using electronic health records from the Optimum Patient Care Research Database Australia and followed 1,956 COPD and asthma patients aged 12 years and over who were at high risk of exacerbations and hospitalizations from 21 GP practices. Practices received ACAER program support involving high-risk patient identification and linked patient pre-visit questionnaires. The study occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and illustrated sustained reductions over the 2021 post-intervention period, which is particularly relevant given that other studies have reported a rise in COPD exacerbation rates post-pandemic.
Professor John Blakey the lead author and Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Research Leader at the Institute for Respiratory Health, Western Australia commented: "The findings from this study highlight the crucial role of the Australian primary care system for enhancing the care of patients with asthma and COPD. Getting the basics right reduces the harm experienced by individuals from both exacerbations and their treatments, and helps take pressure off stretched emergency care services.”
To view the full results of the 21-practice evaluation of the asthma and COPD quality improvement program in Australia, as well as further comments and information regarding the scope for change, read the full publication in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy.
Practices interested in learning more or participating in the ACAER program can read full details here.
*’High risk’ was defined as one or more exacerbations in the 2 years prior to the index date (the date the questionnaire was sent). Patients were excluded from the study if they had a diagnosis of any chronic respiratory condition other than asthma or COPD.
About asthma and COPD
Asthma and COPD are both significant public health concerns in Australia, with approximately 10.8% of people diagnosed with asthma and 2.5% of people diagnosed with COPD according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2023. Both conditions affect the respiratory system and restrict airflow, which can make it difficult to breathe. They are also linked with significant disease burden and hospitalization.
About OPCA/OPCRDA
Optimum Patient Care Research Database Australia (OPCRDA) is a not-for-profit research database established and maintained by Optimum Patient Care Australia Pty Ltd (OPCA) – a social enterprise which provides accredited quality improvement programs to support healthcare providers across Australia with management of patients with chronic diseases.
