DO ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SENIOR HOUSE OFFICERS KNOW THE BRITISH GUIDELINES ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE ASTHMA

Avoidable deaths from asthma continue, even in hospital. Since the man agement of acute severe asthma is often initiated in the Accident and Emergency department, it is crucial that staff there have adequate kno wledge. An anonymous questionnaire, containing items based on chart 6 of the UK guidelines, was completed by 66 Accident and Emergency Senio r House Officers from the Yorkshire region. The study aim was to estab lish these doctors' levels of knowledge about the recommended manageme nt of acute asthma in Accident and Emergency. The median score was 10 (out of a possible 24) and the interquartile range 8-13. Further effor ts are required to implement these guidelines so that the best patient outcomes can be achieved.