Background

There is a gap in understanding the impact of asthma on patients, environment and society along the entire care pathway in the UK.

Aims

This analysis synthesizes evidence from multiple sources to assess the health, environmental and societal impact along the asthma care pathway in the UK, with the aim to understand to what extent asthma control is a key driver.

Method

A Cost-of-illness model was used to map and quantify the health, environmental and wider societal impact associated with asthma in the UK. The model captured the impact of the asthma care pathway on NHS costs, greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, patient travel costs, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and productivity loss. Model inputs were informed by a focused literature review, and clinical expert opinion. The analysis was conducted for the period 2022-2031, with projections to future years made based on historical data, and values presented in net present monetary value.

Results

The total impact of asthma in the UK was estimated to be £47bn, with the majority (77%) of costs attributed to the loss of asthma control (i.e., worsening or exacerbation of symptoms) on HRQoL and productivity. Loss of asthma control is also estimated to lead to a 22% increase in NHS costs, and 65% in GHG emissions due to higher use of secondary care and reliever inhalers.

Conclusion

Asthma control significantly impacts patient?s HRQoL, environment and economy. Policies directed to improve condition management should be patient-centered and prioritize disease control, holistically considering the entire asthma care pathway.