Last updated on 04/08/2026

 

Why the QUM in CAD program was needed

Asthma and COPD are among the leading causes of preventable hospital admissions in Australia. In 2019–20 alone, these conditions accounted for more than 144,000 hospitalisations, many of which could potentially be avoided with earlier diagnosis, better prescribing and stronger guideline-based care. 

Yet evidence shows gaps in everyday clinical practice. Up to 50% of people with asthma do not use their preventer medicines as prescribed, and inhaler technique errors occur in around 7 in 10 patients. In some cases, reliever medicines are over-used while preventer therapies and asthma action plans are under-utilised. 

Improving education and practical tools for healthcare professionals is therefore a critical step in improving asthma outcomes. 

Educating the health workforce

The QUM in CAD Program delivered three national education packages focused on key areas of respiratory care: 

  • Asthma education – asthma flare-up prevention in children 
  • Breathlessness and differential diagnosis 
  • Stepwise management of COPD 

The asthma education stream focused on helping clinicians better support families, reduce reliance on reliever medications and increase the use of evidence-based prevention strategies. 

Education activities included eLearning modules, webinars, clinical masterclasses, reflective practice activities and practical clinical tools. All resources were peer-reviewed and aligned with national clinical guidelines including the Australian Asthma Handbook. 

Strong engagement and measurable outcomes

The program exceeded its targets for reach and engagement across the health workforce. 

  • More than 5,700 healthcare professionals participated in program education activities nationally. 
  • 3,929 enrolments were recorded in the asthma education modules alone. 
  • 1,837 asthma learning activities were completed by participating clinicians. 
  • Across the program, over 40,000 clinical resources were downloaded, including action plans and inhaler guidance tools. 

Importantly, the program also demonstrated strong outcomes in confidence and practice change: 

  • 91–93% of participants reported improved confidence in applying asthma guidelines and supporting patients. 
  • 64% committed to changing their clinical practice, including increased use of preventer therapy and action plans. 
  • Education activities achieved high satisfaction rates (82–89%) and a Net Promoter Score of 55. 

A stronger foundation for asthma care

The QUM in CAD Program has helped strengthen national education infrastructure through the Lung Learning Hub, a central platform for respiratory education resources and clinical tools. 

By improving healthcare professional knowledge, confidence and access to evidence-based resources, the program is expected to support: 

  • earlier and more accurate diagnosis of asthma 
  • improved use of preventer medicines and asthma action plans 
  • better inhaler technique education 
  • stronger person-centred care and shared decision-making 

Together, these improvements have the potential to reduce asthma flare-ups, prevent avoidable hospitalisations and improve quality of life for people living with asthma across Australia. 

For more on the Lung Learning Hub courses, visit www.lunglearninghub.com.au