The FOCUS (Forum for reducing Oral Corticosteroid Use in Severe asthma) International Working Group (IWG) comprises global experts with relevant knowledge and experience. This group has been assembled to address the inappropriate clinical use of oral corticosteroids (OCS) and to improve quality of care for patients with severe asthma.

Watch Professor John Upham discuss the background and aims of FOCUS initiatives and activities. See the data that illustrate the issue of OCS overuse, including adverse effects and healthcare burden, and learn about the integrated approach being taken to eliminate OCS overuse with OCS sparing and stewardship strategies.

FOCUS is part of the PRECISION programme. The PRECISION programme is organised and funded by AstraZeneca.

Initiatives and activities developed by the FOCUS IWG aim to:

• Raise awareness of the issues surrounding frequent OCS use and the cumulative OCS burden
• Develop and refine the terminology and thresholds relating to OCS use
• Generate clear and concise evidence-based guidance on appropriate OCS use, alternatives to OCS and best practice in OCS tapering
• Address data gaps relating to OCS use and cumulative exposure