Quality statement 6All patients with bronchiectasis should receive at least an annual review of their condition when clinically stable.
Quality measureStructure:
Evidence of local arrangements to ensure that an annual review takes place which includes the following:
  • Assessment of symptoms.

  • Exacerbation frequency.

  • Pulse oximetry.

  • Sputum bacteriology culture.

  • MRC dyspnoea score.

  • Comorbidity assessment.

  • Body mass index.

  • Spirometry.

  • Check that patient has been reviewed by a specialist respiratory physiotherapist or qualified healthcare professional for airways clearance techniques—if not, to refer.


Process:
  • Proportion of adults with a diagnosis of bronchiectasis with a record of annual review in community or hospital care.


Numerator:
  • The number of people with a diagnosis of bronchiectasis with a record of annual review having taken place.


Denominator:
  • The total number of people diagnosed with bronchiectasis.

Description of what the quality statement means for each audience
  • Service providers ensure systems are in place for annual review to take place.

  • Healthcare professional ensure that an annual review of patients with bronchiectasis takes place and the quality measures stated above are checked.

  • Commissioners ensure that an annual review is carried out for all patients with bronchiectasis.

  • People with a diagnosis of bronchiectasis to have a minimum of annual review carried out when clinically stable and the quality measures stated above are checked.

Relevant existing indicators
  • BTS Guideline for Bronchiectasis in Adults 2019.2

  • BTS Quality Standard for Bronchiectasis.3

  • BTS National Audits of Bronchiectasis 2010, 2011.4

Other possible national data sourcesNone identified.
Source references
  • BTS Guideline for Bronchiectasis in Adults 2019.2

  • BTS Quality Standard for Bronchiectasis.3

  • BTS National Audits of Bronchiectasis 2010, 2011.4

Rationale
  • All patients with bronchiectasis should undergo routine monitoring to identify disease progression, pathogen emergence and modify treatment when needed. The frequency of monitoring in primary or secondary care should be tailored to the patient’s disease severity, but should take place at least once a year.

  • The routine monitoring tests are based on factors which are known to affect the risk of future exacerbations, hospital admission and death.