Respiratory Tracker: HCPs debate terminology used to describe respiratory infections

Between 21 March and 20 April 2024, CREATION Pinpoint® tracked the conversations of UK online healthcare professionals (eHCPs) discussing respiratory diseases on X (Twitter). We analysed 2,175 posts discussing respiratory diseases by 982 eHCPs.

During the 22nd British Thoracic Oncology Conference, held from April 17th to 19th, HCPs were eager to share  learnings and updates online. The hashtag #BTOG24 was shared in 53 posts by 18 HCPs, featuring the results of various trials as well as AI use in CXR reporting and lung cancer diagnosis and an overview of the 2023 lung cancer radiotherapy audit data. 

A few HCPs, such as Professor Corinne Faivre-Finn, also commended the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) for its initiative in establishing a “consensus definition of lung cancer resectability for inclusion in clinical trials.” 

Really important UK trial on reduced frequency of IO in stage 4 NSCLC
▶️highlights the importance of academic trials to address SACT questions 👏👏👏@drMaryOBr #BTOG24 @BTOGORG @NIHRresearch https://t.co/Hz0RrBuWuH

— Corinne Faivre-Finn 💙 (@finn_corinne) April 18, 2024

Asthma was the second most talked-about condition following lung cancer, a shift from previous months, during which asthma was the most discussed respiratory disease. A call for action on smoking and vaping to help those with asthma, as well as a focus on asthma programs for young people, was widely shared. HCPs celebrated the #Smokefreegeneration initiative by Asthma + Lung UK and MPs supporting the smoking ban for those born after 2009. 

Beyond smoking, HCPs explored asthma management strategies, emphasising the pivotal role of pharmacists in improving patient outcomes.  

As Head of CYP transformation & having set up & run the London asthma programme for children and young people since 2014/15 & as a cardiovascular nurse I whole heartedly support this call for action on smoking & vaping #askaboutasthma @bcyp_nhsldn @ProfKevinFenton @dulwichchris https://t.co/eLPa6iGym4

— Sara Nelson (RN, QN) (@SaraNelsonRGN) April 16, 2024

Additionally, HCPs responded to the World Health Organisation (WHO) global technical consultation report introducing updated terminology for pathogens that transmit through the air, including the term “AIRBONE” which sparked considerable debate. 

The term was favoured by HCPs for its clarity in conveying how respiratory infections spread. Despite general agreement on its effectiveness, opinions diverged among the 61 posts dedicated to terminology used among professionals. Some HCPs endorsed the term “airborne,” contesting the need of introducing new terminology altogether. 

Respiratory diseases are AIRBORNE. That's why they get into your lungs and cause respiratory symptoms. The word AIRBORNE is a good one because it's simple and easily understood. It's like WATERBORNE and FOOD-BORNE. We should keep using it. We don't need any new terminology.

— Trisha Greenhalgh (@trishgreenhalgh) April 16, 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 updated with other pharmaceutical tracking updates, including how eHCPs engage with Top 50 pharma and the product approvals that are catching their attention.  To receive updates straight to your inbox you can sign up for our monthly eJournal with our latest HCP insights. 

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

Methodology

• CREATION Pinpoint® was used to analyse 2,175 mentions on X from 982 HCPs in the UK discussing respiratory disease and related terms, between 21 March 2024 and 20 April 2024.