Lack of training raises asthma concern

A LACK of training for GPs in how to treat asthma is putting sufferers' lives at risk.

A survey of GPs in Scotland by Asthma UK Scotland and the Primary Care Respiratory Society UK (PCRS) has revealed that asthma education is a low priority, despite half of GPs agreeing that the number of deaths from asthma in Scotland could be reduced with better care.

More than two thirds of GPs in Scotland feel knowledge of asthma in the profession could be improved, and over half recognise their own knowledge could be improved.

However, 70 per cent of GPs say problems were also caused by patients not taking their medicines. World Asthma Day 2011 takes place today.