Context:
Long-term respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD contribute significantly to emergency admissions and create avoidable strain on NHS services. While digital support tools from ICST were successfully implemented in Wales to improve patient self-management, these benefits had yet to be extended across England at scale.
Fragmented pathways, time-pressured appointments, and varying access to educational tools left patients and healthcare professionals without consistent support to manage respiratory conditions effectively.
To address this, the ICST Respiratory Toolkit- initially developed in partnership with NHS Wales- was expanded to West Yorkshire in 2023. The toolkit empowers patients, supports healthcare professionals, and integrates with existing clinical systems to improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary demand on urgent care services.
Solution:
Respiratory Toolkit
The West Yorkshire Respiratory Toolkit combines digital tools, implementation support, and education, using evidence-based design and behaviour change methodology to drive adoption and improve self-management of asthma and COPD.
The toolkit is structured into four layers:
1
Patient Self-Management Apps
2
Healthcare Professional Platform
3
Commissioner Reporting
The toolkit is designed to integrate with existing services and workflows, enabling rapid adoption without adding burden to clinical staff. Its approach also improves accessibility and scalability, including web app versions to support older users or those without smartphones.
Learn More About:
Respiratory Toolkit
A strategy to improve the standards of respiratory care across a health system, ensuring that all patients receive high-value care, and all healthcare professionals understand how to optimise the care for their patients.
Outcomes:
Respiratory Toolkit
Rapid Uptake Across West Yorkshire
Thousands of healthcare professionals are using the platform
Engagement from 85% of GP practices across the region
Regular live events rated 4 stars or higher by 96.72% of surveyed professionals
Improving Clinical Confidence and Patient Engagement
Hundreds of digital assessments completed by HCPs
High-rated usability and functionality
Features like digital asthma action plans, peak flow diaries, and GP visit checklists help patients prepare for consultations and reduce reliance on emergency care
Sustainable and Scalable Model
Builds on years of toolkit development and testing
Designed for further expansion into other areas and conditions (e.g. cardiac, diabetes)
Empowering all patients to become experts in managing their condition
