FeNO testing used in breathlessness pathway

At KSS AHSN, we have been driving the local adoption and implementation of innovations and pathway transformation, and have engaged with respiratory teams across Kent Surrey Sussex to see how best we can support them in improving patient care and outcomes, and increasing patient and clinician access to FeNO testing across primary care.

FeNO testing is a method that assists with the diagnosis of asthma by measuring fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in the breath of patients suspected of having asthma. The aim of this innovation will be to improve patient care and outcomes by more effective diagnosis of patients suspected of having asthma.

Download ‘Shared learning: Example of FeNO used in breathlessness pathway’ case study

First Community Health and Care was successful in being awarded Pathway Transformation funds for FeNO devices and mouthpieces from the Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC), with additional local funding expanding availability within East Surrey area.

Hinal Patel, Pharmacist Programme Manager, KSS AHSN said:

‘Respiratory disease is identified as a clinical priority in the NHS Long-Term Plan. The approach is to manage respiratory disease by measuring fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), to aid the diagnosis of asthma.’

This programme delivers bespoke support initiatives to increase system wide uptake and spread. The aim is to:

• Improve patient care and outcomes by more effectively diagnosing patients with suspected asthma.
• Increase widespread patient and clinician access to FeNO testing across primary care.

The Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) is the umbrella organisation for UK health innovation. It supports the NHS to quickly adopt clinically and cost-effective innovations, and to ensure patients get access to the best new treatments and technologies.