A pilot study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of undertaking acute asthma professional development in three different UK primary care settings.

Introduction: The General Practice Airways Group's Professional Development programme promotes the evidence-based management of acute asthma in line with current guidelines.

Method: 4 GP practices, 2 Out-of-Hours services and 2 nurse-run Walk-In Centres were recruited to this pilot study. Participants provided organisational data and undertook a critical event analysis of acute attacks. Results were fed back prior to attendance at the GPIAG/NRTC Congress. The audit was repeated after six months. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed with evaluation questionnaires.

Results: Baseline data from 7 centres (160 attacks) suggested that management guidelines are not being fully adhered to. For practical reasons only four of the organisations attended the Congress. Organisations successfully formulated their own development plans: one introduced a standard proforma, one commissioned in-service training and two acquired a supply of steroids. Follow-up data was submitted by 5 organisations. (98 attacks) Programme evaluations were generally positive: the audit protocol was practical in all three settings, the feedback was appreciated and the educational intervention was well received by those able to attend.

Conclusion: This pilot study has provided useful information on which to base the future development of the GPIAG acute asthma professional development programme. The initiative has been well received and innovation has been facilitated. Future projects should consider more flexible, local provision of workshops.