Respiratory care - action plan: 2021 to 2026

Introduction

What is this Plan?

The purpose of this Plan is to set out our vision for driving improvement in the diagnosis, care, treatment and support of people living with respiratory conditions in Scotland.

The Plan identifies five key priorities for respiratory care in Scotland. It is intended to be an enabling document which will continue to drive continuous improvement. The plan is not intended as a replacement of current clinical guidance, but brings together good practice from across Scotland.

The Plan aims to build on what already works well and challenge traditional models that may not be providing the best solutions for people living with a respiratory condition. Respiratory services have had to adapt quickly due to the direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and through engagement with the respiratory community, we hope that this document reflects the progress that has been made as well as address the additional challenges we now face.

This Plan does not set out detail of how this will be achieved – this will be determined in the implementation phase of the Plan. We will work in partnership with the respiratory community to implement the commitments set out in this Plan. We know that the way services are delivered is changing at pace due to the COVID-19 pandemic and we want to ensure this change is reflected. The implementation programme will be fluid and we will continue to evolve our approach to respiratory care in Scotland as our understanding of the impact of the pandemic grows and ensure our actions are relevant.

Who is this Plan for?

This plan is for the anyone in Scotland living with a respiratory condition, as well as anyone working within health and social care or the third sector. This plan also takes into account people who may not yet have a diagnosis, or are currently on a pathway to be seen by respiratory services.

We want to ensure that people living with respiratory conditions have access to the best possible care and support. To achieve this, we have developed the Plan with the help of healthcare professionals, policy makers, third sector organisations and people living with a respiratory condition in Scotland.

How will this Plan drive improvement?

This document is intended to support health care professionals delivering respiratory care in NHS Scotland, as well as wider respiratory services in the third sector. This Plan will be supported by an implementation programme and subsequent measurement plan. We intend to establish a Scottish Government led National Advisory Committee, who will have a key role in the design and implementation of projects under each of the commitments and priorities. We will also ensure the voice and experience of people living with a respiratory condition is weaved throughout implementation.

We will also work towards establishing an improved data set, which will identify areas of excellence, opportunity and concern. Any data we build should be simple and accessible for health and social care staff to use and should inform all implementation projects.