Improving access to respiratory care in the Global South
Improving access to respiratory care in the Global South
GASP – Global Access to Spirometry Project
Chiesi Foundation works in the respiratory field to improve the quality of life of patients – and their families – affected by chronic respiratory diseases , such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in medium- and low-resource countries.
The GASP – Global Access to Spirometry Project model was born from the pilot experience of the Partners in Care project “ Optimizing Asthma & COPD Diagnosis and Chronic Disease Management in Guyana ”, a medical training project in pulmonology, coordinated by Prof. Robert Levy of the University of British Columbia in collaboration with the British Columbia Lung Association .
The three-year pilot initiative was implemented in Guyana and resulted in the establishment of the country’s first spirometry laboratory to screen for these conditions and the development of a chronic respiratory disease management training program for local staff, patients and their families. The GASP program promotes respiratory medical education by focusing on the development of a model of diagnostic and clinical skills specific to the management of chronic respiratory diseases, with a focus on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because optimal management of asthma and COPD relies on accurate diagnosis with spirometry, effective therapy, patient education and ongoing monitoring to assess the severity of the condition, and control, the model focuses on four main pillars.
The three-year pilot initiative was implemented in Guyana and resulted in the establishment of the country’s first spirometry laboratory to screen for these conditions and the development of a chronic respiratory disease management training program for local staff, patients and their families. The GASP program promotes respiratory medical education by focusing on the development of a model of diagnostic and clinical skills specific to the management of chronic respiratory diseases, with a focus on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because optimal management of asthma and COPD relies on accurate diagnosis with spirometry, effective therapy, patient education and ongoing monitoring to assess the severity of the condition, and control, the model focuses on four main pillars.
The four pillars of the GASP Program
Training
High-quality training for healthcare professionals on the diagnosis and management of asthma and COPD, and awareness and self-management programs for patients with these conditions.
Spaces
Establishment of spirometry laboratories for the accurate diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases.
Protocols
Support local hospitals in adopting national and international guidelines and protocols.
Data
Improving the quality and use of data with a Quality Improvement process, generating evidence for lessons learned and best practices.
Where we work
