Preparing patients and health professionals for the transition to chlorofluorocarbon-free inhalers: the British perspective.

The National Asthma Campaign is the independent United Kingdom charity working to conquer asthma in partnership with people with asthma and all who share their concern through a combination of research, education, and support. We are viewed by people with asthma, health professionals, National Health Service managers, and policy makers as 1 of the United Kingdom's leading authorities on asthma and, in particular, the leading independent charity in the field. Through historic precedent and current research, it was clear to us, alongside the other relevant stakeholders, that the transition to chlorofluorocarbon-free inhalers would be 1 of the biggest changes in medication ever to take place in the United Kingdom and a potential period of considerable instability. To avoid that instability and to facilitate a positive transition process, the National Asthma Campaign worked closely with the government (Department of Health), health professionals, pharmaceutic industry, and other patient and¿or campaigning groups to ensure effective information dissemination; and support was available to the appropriate audiences. It is difficult to conclude at this stage how successful the strategy has been. As the transition gains in momentum and more chlorofluorocarbon-free products are released on to the market, it will become more apparent how much of a success the process has been.