Respiratory Tracker: HCPs feel lack of support and funding hinders advancements in respiratory research

Between 21 April and 20 May 2024, CREATION Pinpoint® tracked the conversations of UK online healthcare professionals (eHCPs) discussing respiratory diseases on X (Twitter). We analysed 2,141 posts discussing respiratory diseases by 962 eHCPs.

On World Asthma Day, HCPs emphasised the importance of empowering patients through comprehensive asthma education, enabling them to manage their condition more effectively. They highlighted the significance of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) publishing a new evidence-based strategy, presenting updated guidelines to enhance patient care. 

For instance, respiratory consultant Aldrin Adeni called for urgent government action to prevent avoidable asthma-related deaths and improve overall health outcomes. The widespread engagement on social media, made up of 132 HCP posts using #worldasthmaday or #worldasthmaday2024, reflected HCP’s growing awareness and collective effort to address these critical issues. 

NRAD 10 years ago : 45% died without getting help in their fatal attack – only 25% had an action plan or education. And most of the deaths were preventable – sadly the situation hasn’t changed in the UK. So the World Asthma Day theme today is very relevant- it’s time for change! pic.twitter.com/VyXNy7lynZ

— Dr Mark L Levy (@bigcatdoc) May 6, 2024

Some HCPs stated that despite the critical importance of respiratory medicine, only a small percentage of public funding is allocated to lung conditions. They called for greater funding for lung research in the UK to improve diagnosis and save lives, particularly in light of the nation’s high death rate from lung conditions.

Using the hashtag #FundRespiratoryResearch in 15 posts, HCPs highlighted barriers including a lack of political support and insufficient funding. They believe these are hindering advancements in respiratory research and the development of potential life-saving solutions. Additionally, HCPs shared a link from Asthma and Lung UK detailing “10 Priorities to Fix the UK Research Pipeline and the Nation’s Poor Lung Health,” further emphasising the need for action.

Right now, most long-term lung conditions are detected when there is irreversible damage to the lungs. Being able to intervene before the damage is permanent is crucial and only possible if we #FundRespiratoryResearch: https://t.co/nG9YZh6rGq [https://t.co/d27JdgOdka]

— Durrington Lab (@h_durrington) May 9, 2024

During the Association of Respiratory Nurses (ARNS) 2024 conference, the significant contributions of nurses in respiratory care were celebrated. Nurses received recognition for their exceptional work and crucial role in asthma management, from triage to treatment. Various outstanding contributions in respiratory nursing were acknowledged, and awards were presented to honour these achievements. Nurses were celebrated on #InternationalNursesDay for their commitment to improve lung health and for their unwavering dedication. 

Wonderful start to #ARNS2024 Always something new to learn in #Respiratory #RespIsBest I couldn’t be more proud to be a member of the team, thank you to all my new @ARNS_UK colleagues for welcoming me so warmly. I’m looking forward to flying the flag for #CYP #littlelungs pic.twitter.com/9uQQxesrWR

— viv marsh (@vivmarsh) May 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 2,141 mentions on X from 962 HCPs in the UK discussing respiratory disease and related terms, between 21 April 2024 and 20 May 2024.