Assessment of asthma management

Department of Health Statewide Referral Criteria apply. For previously diagnosed asthma needing review, diagnostic uncertainty, or workplace-related asthma.

Full SRC reference

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Previously diagnosed asthma requiring further advice on, or review of, the current management plan or treatment-related adverse effects (e.g. recent ED treatment or admission, frequent oral corticosteroids, prolonged high-dose ICS, frequent chest infections)

Asthma with clinical or spirometry features suggestive of an alternative or additional diagnosis

Asthma caused or exacerbated by workplace exposure that is impacting on the person’s ability to work

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Life-threatening asthma, including thunderstorm asthma (after initial emergency management) — ED

Severe asthma, including thunderstorm asthma, if symptoms have not resolved after initial emergency management — ED

Oxygen saturation ≤90% — ED

Soft or absent breath sounds, cyanosis or poor respiratory effort — ED

Bradycardia or hypotension — ED

Exhaustion, confusion or coma — ED

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Symptoms persist or are poorly controlled despite optimised inhaled therapy and adherence review

Diagnostic uncertainty with spirometry/CXR available

Usually managed in primary care

Stable asthma controlled with the current management plan does not require referral to a Victorian public hospital.
Provide spirometry, height, other lung function tests, sputum culture, recent FBE and chest x-ray where available.
Document symptom onset, progression, triggers, prior ED/admission history and oral/high-dose ICS use.
Document current and complete medication history, smoking/vaping/cannabis history and any at-risk occupational exposure.
Record current vaccination status and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identification where relevant.