Chronic cough is a common and often debilitating condition that can significantly impact quality of life, yet patients frequently experience long diagnostic journeys and fragmented care pathways before receiving appropriate management. With the ambition to reduce elective care waiting lists for chronic cough management in secondary care, this project brings together clinicians, service leads, NHS England and Health Innovation Networks to explore how chronic cough pathways can be implemented and improved within Trusts.
The project aims to support the development of a clearer, more streamlined pathway for the assessment and management of chronic cough, helping patients access the right investigations and specialist support more quickly. By working collaboratively across 12 participating NHS Trusts, the project is identifying practical approaches to pathway design, sharing learning between Trusts, and highlighting both the opportunities and challenges involved in implementing chronic cough services in secondary care settings.
Insights from the programme will contribute to future guidance, tools and resources that support clinicians and NHS organisations to improve care for patients living with chronic cough.
Cough patient guide Cough primary care pathway Cough secondary care pathway