The Asthma Society announced that its Adviceline has received its 10,000th call since 2014. In 2016, the Asthma Adviceline service was extended to include calls in relation to COPD patients. The Asthma and COPD Adviceline is a free service which users can call on 1800 44 54 64 to have any questions they may have about their asthma and/or COPD answered.
The service involves a call back from an asthma respiratory nurse, who will undertake multiple calls with a person with asthma or their carer, to ensure that they are better informed and able to manage their asthma.
Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Asthma Society, said: “I am very happy to see that people are availing of our free Adviceline service – we were delighted to recently take our 10,000th call. Irish research estimates suggest that 60% of the 470,000 people in Ireland with asthma do not have the condition under control and one person dies every week from asthma in Ireland. It is so important that people with asthma and COPD properly control their conditions and the Adviceline is the perfect way for them to do so. Pick up the phone to the Adviceline on 1800 44 54 64 – doing so is a great first step in taking charge of your asthma and/or COPD and moving toward a better life.
“Our respiratory nurse specialists work through every aspect of life with callers who have asthma and/or COPD . They can help with what to do in the event of an asthma attack, the signs and symptoms of COPD, answering questions after a GP or consultant appointment, dealing with triggers that may cause a serious escalation, and helping you put an Asthma Action Plan/ COPD Self management plan in place. After speaking to one of our nurses, you’ll be fully equipped with the information and skills you need to improve your health and to stay as well as possible.”
An anonymous service user with COPD who completed the recent survey said:
“It made me take action and realize I was quite sick – I ended up in hospital for a week.”
A service user whose child has asthma said:
“The Adviceline call made me realise my baby was getting wrong amount of medication for her asthma… I now have a asthma treatment plan in place and the right medication for my daughter. I am very thankful to the nurse I spoke to for all her advice – only for her, my little girl could have died.”
A service user with asthma commented:
“We had no management plan before the call and a vague and haphazard approach to an asthma episode and no control over it. After the call we had awareness of the medication and how to use inhalers and how effective they were. It took away that terrible fear so that when the wheezing
starts, you know what to do.”
An anonymous user of the Adviceline said:
“When I contacted the Adviceline, I had suffered two asthma attacks and was really struggling with my breathing. It was affecting my work and home life. I had heard about the service through an advert. I found the advice extremely helpful and my health benefited from it hugely. Prior to contacting the Adviceline, I was very nervous and concerned that I would get another asthma attack. However, with the advice and guidance given by the asthma nurse, I felt much more confident managing my situation going forward. She also kindly explained that she would add me into her diary for the same time next year just to assist/remind me to be aware of the upcoming hayfever season which was really great to hear. I am more than happy to recommend Adviceline to others.”
The Adviceline has a proven track record of improving the lives of people with COPD and Asthma. A survey conducted by the Asthma Society in August 2018 revealed that 89% of service user agreed or strongly agreed the Adviceline gave them an improved understanding of prescribed medications and when to use them. 98% were very satisfied or satisfied with the empathy and understanding displayed by the nurse.
As a result, 86% of respondents were more confident in managing their asthma and 89% had an improved knowledge of what to do in the event of an attack or escalation of their illness. Over 60% indicated that they were less likely to miss school or work as a result of the service.
The free Adviceline service has been providing help and support to people with asthma for more than 30 years. The 10,000th call is tracked from all calls since 2014.
