Research objectives

The aim of this project is to reduce premature mortality from asthma by understanding the risk factors for death. The specific objectives are to use a case control approach to investigate the association between death and:

• Use of medical services and quality of care;
• Adverse effect of medications;
• Psychological and social problems.

The study will be conducted under the auspices of the National Asthma Task Force in association with the current confidential enquiry into asthma deaths in Wales, Scotland and three regions of England. 600 asthma deaths under 65 years will be age and area matched with contemporary hospital admissions for severe asthma and compared by systematic and blind assessments of GP records over the previous five years. Those deaths with an admission in the past two years (about 50%), will also be compared with a contemporary admission using the hospital case notes. Analysis will take account of severity.

For further information contact

Professor Ross Anderson
Department of Public Health Sciences
St. George's Hospital Medical School
Cranmer Terrace
London
SW17 0RE

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