BTS publishes Quality Standards for Clinically Significant Bronchiectasis in Adults 2022

Today the British Thoracic Society (BTS) has released new quality standards for Clinically Significant Bronchiectasis in Adults, based on the previous quality standards published in 2012.

As part of our Quality Improvement process, BTS develops Quality Standards (QS) in alignment with our Guidelines. Quality Standards are an integral part of the supporting materials for Guideline implementation. Being derived from the best available evidence, they outline measurable steps for health professionals and service providers to work toward gold-standard of practice.

These new Quality Standards for Clinically Significant Bronchiectasis in Adults supersede those published in 2012, with the rationale for their development drawn from recommendations summarised in the BTS Guideline for Bronchiectasis in Adults 2019. 

The purpose of the new Quality Standards is two-fold; they provide a benchmark for auditing and improving bronchiectasis clinical practice as well as help patients understand what high-quality care from their healthcare provider should look like.

A self-management plan is included as an Appendix of the Quality Standards, providing a practical resource for guiding improved service delivery.

Professor Adam Hill, chair of the Bronchiectasis Quality Standards Working Group, commented:

“The goal of the group was that we re-centred the spotlight on patient-centred and evidence-based care in bronchiectasis management. We want to support primary and secondary healthcare professionals to provide the highest quality care possible, ultimately improving the patient experience.”

In no particular order, the quality statements are:

• People with bronchiectasis should be investigated for treatable causes of bronchiectasis.
• People with bronchiectasis should be offered a review by a specialist respiratory physiotherapist or qualified healthcare professional.
• People with bronchiectasis should have an individualised written self-management plan.
• Patients with bronchiectasis and three or more exacerbations per year should be considered for long-term antibiotic treatment.
• Services for people with bronchiectasis should include provision of home nebulised prophylactic antibiotics and home intravenous antibiotic therapy for suitable patients, supervised by a respiratory specialist.
• All patients with bronchiectasis should receive at least an annual review of their condition when clinically stable.

The Quality Standards are also published in the BMJ Open Respiratory Research.