Importance of Choosing the Right Device for the Right Patient

In 2020, the NHS became the world’s first ever health service to commit to reaching carbon net zero.¹ The NHS has set out to achieve this goal by 2040 for greenhouse gas emissions which it can control.¹ Its contribution to total carbon emissions in England is of 4-5%,² with inhalers accounting for 0.001-0.002% of these.^1,2

Inhaled therapies have substantially improved health of people with respiratory conditions; however, there is a need to reduce carbon footprint associated with inhaler prescribing.^2,3 Whilst greener respiratory healthcare should be a top priority, it is key to maintain patient care and outcomes at the heart of what we do.

In this talk, Dr Azhar Saleem discusses inhaler choices and the importance of shared decision-making with the focus on practical approaches to improving sustainability whilst maintaining patient centricity and optimal patient outcomes.

References

1.  Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service. October 2020. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/a-net-zero-nhs/
2. Greener NHS campaign to tackle climate health emergency. January 2020. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/01/greener-nhs-campaign-to-tackle-climate-health-emergency/
3. PCRS white paper: Greener respiratory healthcare. November 2020. Available at: https://www.pcrs-uk.org/sites/pcrs-uk.org/files/White-Paper-Greener-Respiratory-Healthcare-20201118.pdf

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• Dr Azhar Saleem

  General Practitioner

  Read biography
  Dr Azhar Saleem

  General Practitioner The South Lambeth Road Practice & The Deerbrook Surgery

  Role and Location 

  Dr Azhar Saleem is a GP Partner at The South Lambeth Road Practice and The Deerbrook Surgery. He also provides leadership to the NHS and other health related organisations relating to primary care, prescribing, digital health and all aspects of respiratory care.

  Education

  He qualified from UCL Medical School with an MBBS, BSc (Hons).

  Research Interests

  Dr Saleem has a special interest in respiratory medicine, allergy and digital health.

  Memberships

  Dr Saleem is the respiratory in Lambeth and co-lead in South East London. He is the Clinical Lead and co-creator of the RightBreathe inhaler resource.