Severe asthma assessment, management and the organisation of care in Australia and New Zealand: expert forum roundtable meetings.

Severe asthma imposes a significant burden on individuals, families and the healthcare system. Treatment is complex, due to disease heterogeneity, comorbidities and complexity in care pathways. New approaches and treatments improve health outcomes for people with severe asthma.

Patterns of prescription drug misuse presenting to provincial drug clinics.

Aim: To survey new patients, presenting to three drug clinics, on the patterns, usage and costs of prescription pharmaceuticals.

Method: Consecutive patients seen by the medical staff for assessment had a 7-day history recorded for prescription drug (PD) usage, and the associated costs of these from street sources.

Results: There were 37 patients (26 males) with a mean age of 34 years (21-51).