Mode
Text Size
Log in / Sign up

SHVASAN model aims to improve rural screening and diagnosis of asthma and COPDNew plan aims to improve asthma and COPD screening

AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work

Key Takeaway
Note that this is a study protocol; results regarding the SHVASAN model's feasibility are not yet available.

This publication is a study protocol describing the implementation of the SHVASAN model within rural Primary Health Care (PHC) and Health and Wellness Centers in the Pune district of India. The scope of the proposed study involves assessing the feasibility of using Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) for screening and Community Health officers (CHOs) for diagnosis of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

The primary outcome is the feasibility of the SHVASAN model at the primary health care level. Secondary outcomes include the number of people screened by ASHAs, the number of diagnostic tests conducted at wellness centers, and the identification of facilitators and operational challenges during implementation. The proposed follow-up period is one year.

A significant limitation is that this is a study protocol; therefore, no results are currently available. The study has not been conducted yet, and feasibility dimensions will only be determined via a future Delphi study. This protocol may inform the development of public health strategies for chronic respiratory disease screening in rural settings.

How this fits prior evidence

This protocol addresses a gap in primary care infrastructure for managing chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. While prior evidence has identified risk factors such as pulmonary TB history linked to higher COPD odds, this study focuses on the feasibility of community-based screening models in rural settings.

Living with a chronic lung condition like asthma or COPD can be difficult, especially when getting a proper diagnosis is hard to find. In rural areas, many people may not have easy access to specialized clinics, making it harder to manage their breathing and stay healthy.

A new plan called the SHVASAN model is being designed to change this. The goal is to use local health workers to screen patients and community health officers to provide diagnoses at primary care centers. This could make finding out what is wrong with your lungs much easier for people living in rural villages.

It is important to note that this study is currently a protocol, which means it is a plan for future research. Because the study has not been conducted yet, there are no results or data on how well the program works. It is a step toward finding better ways to organize public health services.

What this means for you:
A new model is being planned to help rural patients get diagnosed with asthma and lung disease sooner.

Common questions

What is the SHVASAN model?

The SHVASAN model is a plan to improve health services. It involves screening patients by local health activists and providing diagnoses through community health officers at primary care centers.

Who will this program help?

This plan is designed for people over 30 years old living in rural areas who may have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Are the results of this study available yet?

No, because this is a study protocol, it means the research has not been conducted yet. Results regarding how well the plan works are not yet available.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedJul 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
Underestimating the burden of Chronic respiratory diseases (COPD-Asthma) is a past error that needs to be remedied, and cases with these diseases are to be screened and diagnosed! Current health policies primarily focus on other NCDs like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, indicating a need for more targeted interventions for CRDs. A thorough literature review was conducted to analyse the evidence for probable solutions to address the CRD's and available models for screening and diagnosis at primary health care. Based on this, an implementation model is proposed- Screening by Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHAs)and diagnosis by Community Health officers (CHOs)of Asthma and COPD at the primary health care System- A Novel Strategy- SHVASAN (local meaning breathing). To assess the feasibility of implementation of a “SHVASAN” model for screening and diagnosis of COPD and Asthma at the primary health care level. Methodology: Mixed methods to assess feasibility, including the Delphi technique. Implementation will begin with the training of ASHAs, CHOs, and equipment will be provided for setting up the screening and diagnosis across one rural PHC in Pune district, India. All 35 villages and ASHAs would be screening the population above 30 years of age. And CHOs across all Health and wellness centres (06 + 02 at PHC and one at RH) will diagnose the CRDs. Feasibility would be assessed after one year of the SHVASAN model implementation. A Delphi study would be conducted to formulate the feasibility dimensions and formulate the feasibility index. Considering feasibility dimensions, qualitative and quantitative data would be collected to assess the feasibility of the model, which includes the population screened by the ASHAs and the number of diagnostic tests conducted at health wellness centers. And focused group discussions, in-depth interviews will be conducted to understand the facilitators and operational challenges of the SHVASAN implementation. SHVASAN builds on the NPCDCS Govt of India guidelines. This is a novel, low-cost adaptation for peripheral workers with limited specialist access.​This research will inform potential feasibility and the development of implementation strategies as public health services prepare for broader rollout in the near future.
Free Newsletter

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Join thousands of clinicians and researchers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.