The breathlessness pathway project supports the development of more efficient, consistent, and patient-centred pathways for people presenting with breathlessness. By spreading best practice models such as rapid-access clinics and cross-provider multidisciplinary team (MDT) approaches, the programme aims to help systems improve how breathlessness is assessed, diagnosed, and managed.
Optimising the breathlessness pathway has the potential to improve outcomes through faster access to diagnostics and specialist input, while reducing delays and variation in care. More streamlined pathways can also support systems to address referral-to-treatment (RTT) pressures and make better use of clinical resources.
By supporting local systems to adopt evidence-based models and implement sustainable improvements, the project aims to improve pathway efficiency while ensuring equitable access to high-quality respiratory care.