Respiratory Tracker: eHCPs advocate for effective care amid asthma misinformation

Between 21 January and 20 February 2024, CREATION Pinpoint® tracked the conversations of UK online healthcare professionals (eHCPs) discussing respiratory diseases on X (Twitter). We analysed 2,746 posts discussing respiratory diseases by 1,068 eHCPs.

Between 12-14 February, eHCP online conversation about respiratory diseases spiked in response to a live broadcast when they suggested it was spreading misinformation about asthma treatment. eHCPs called the advice given during the live broadcast “dangerous and contrary to national and international asthma management guidelines.”  Several eHCPs, including Ravvijjot Saggu, a UK-based pharmacist and Chair of UKCPA, called for increased awareness and emphasis on the seriousness of asthma and sought to rectify the misinformation.

Following the incorrect info on #asthma disappointingly broadcast by @morninglive @BBCiPlayer @xandvt yesterday, see our considered response from @UKCPAResp team⬇️ Asthma needs to be taken seriously.Inhaled steroids are an evidence based effective part of treatment pic.twitter.com/NIfneFE4aG

— Ravijyot Saggu (@RavijyotSaggu) February 13, 2024

Asthma remained the most discussed respiratory disease, accounting for 18% of the conversation. Asthma treatment was the centre of attention, including posts about salbumatol’s very limited supply, which were shared more than 20 times. Moreover, eHCPs highlighted the importance of an evidence-based approach to asthma management to tackle overprescribing and overreliance on short-acting β2-agonist bronchodilators (SABAs) in asthma.

Time to change #asthma management in the UK and end the morbidity and mortality risks associated with excessive use of short-acting β2-agonist bronchodilators. Our call for action is published today:  please share- @PCRSUK @atscommunity @ipcrg @EuroRespSoc @BTSrespiratory…

— Dr Mark L Levy (@bigcatdoc) January 26, 2024

Additionally, eHCPs shared a post bringing awareness to the ‘asthma care bundle’ that the British Thoracic Society recently introduced, focusing on tangible actions that professionals can implement to help improve outcomes for people living with asthma. They highlighted the significance of preventing asthma attacks and inhaler techniques. 

It’s really important to check inhaler technique in everyone who has an #asthma attack https://t.co/LUBkji8LoS Please share @bcyp_nhsldn @IPCRG @rcgp @theRCN @RespNprang @rotherhamresp @PCRSUK

— Dr Mark L Levy (@bigcatdoc) February 17, 2024

During January, eHCPs shared news that measles vaccination uptake has declined to 85% in the UK. eHCPs shared posts making the public aware that measles can lead to pneumonia, and advocated for vaccination after it was declared a national health incident. The updated national guidance for the management of children admitted to hospitals with suspected measles was also shared by 11 eHCPs. 

The UK has declared a national health incident following a surge in measles.

Think measles is just a simple rash? Wrong. It can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, seizures, death.

I am begging you, don’t allow anti-vax conspiracy theories to harm or kill your children!#provax pic.twitter.com/Nm7wyX1Om8

— Dr Bella (@Dr_BellaR) January 20, 2024

Each month, we track the eHCP conversation relating to respiratory disease. You can read other editions in the Respiratory Tracker archive .

You can also keep up to date with other pharmaceutical tracking updates, including how HCPs engage with Top 50 pharma and which product approvals are catching their attention.  To receive these updates straight to your inbox you can sign up to receive our monthly eJournal with all of our latest HCP insights. 

If you would like to dig deeper into what we have seen this month then please do get in touch. 

Methodology

• This article analysed the conversation on X of 1,068 HCPs in the UK discussing respiratory disease and related terms between 21 January 2024 and 20 February 2024 using CREATION Pinpoint®.

• Between 21 January 2024 and 20 February 2024, there were 2,746 UK eHCP mentions of respiratory disease and related terms, from 1,068  unique UK eHCP authors.