Professor Anna Murphy

Prof. Anna Murphy MRPharmS(IP), MSc, DPharm is a nationally and internationally recognised Consultant Respiratory Pharmacist with over 30 years’ experience in clinical practice, research and professional leadership. She is Consultant Respiratory Pharmacist at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Leicester School of Pharmacy.
Anna leads medicines-optimisation services for patients with asthma, COPD and interstitial lung disease (ILD), working across integrated pathways in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. She is widely known for her expertise in inhaler technique, adherence and device optimisation, having contributed to multiple research projects, educational programmes and national resources designed to improve inhaler use and patient outcomes. Her clinical interests also extend to allergy, reflected in her role as a specialist adviser for Anaphylaxis UK.

She represents the Royal Pharmaceutical Society on the Taskforce for Lung Health, where she co-chairs the Access to Medicines Working Group, and contributes to the UK Clinical Pharmacy Association and British Thoracic Society, supporting guideline development, education and workforce education. Within BTS, Anna was the former and inaugural Chair of the Pharmacist Specialist Advisory Group (SAG), establishing its strategic direction and championing the role of pharmacists within multidisciplinary respiratory care. She also plays key advisory roles on both the Research Review Panel and Council of HCPs with Asthma + Lung UK.

Anna is a sought-after national and international speaker. She has delivered keynote lectures and training programmes across the UK, Europe, India and China, and has participated in global events including International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) initiatives.

Alongside her clinical work, Anna has an extensive publication record in respiratory pharmacy, ILD care, inhaler optimisation and pharmacy-practice research. Her career is driven by a commitment to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based medicines use, service innovation and empowering both patients and healthcare professionals through high-quality education.

Leicester Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation for Integrated Care (LIPIIC)

Books/Chapters

• Dodds L. Drugs in Use (2022) 6th Ed. Pharmaceutical Press – Chapter COPD
• Ali S, Murphy AC. MedicSpot on-line guide. Asthma Symptoms, spacers and inhalers: Definitive Guide (March 2019)
• Gray, A. Clinical Pharmacy (2016) 2nd Ed. Pharmaceutical Press – respiratory contributions
• Dodds L. Drugs in Use (2013) 5th Ed. Pharmaceutical Press – Chapter COPD
• Dodds L. Drugs in Use (2011) 4th Ed. Pharmaceutical Press – Chapter COPD
• Murphy AC. Asthma-in-Focus (2006) Pharmaceutical Press
• Morgan MDL, Singh SJ, Scullion JE, Murphy AC, et al. Pulmonary Rehabilitation – A training programme for healthcare professionals ISBN 1-903349-09-5 Respiratory ERC 2000
• Murphy AC. 7 Steps to Success Inhaler Technique Reminder Cards (2012; updated 2018)
• Murphy AC, Scullion J. 7 Steps to Success Reminder cards – Spirometry and Consultation Skills.

Articles

• Hnin Wint Aung, Anna Murphy, Neil Greening. The evolving landscape of digital inhaler platforms and adherence support in chronic airways disease. Chronic Respir Dis (2025); Jan-Dec; 22:14799731251366969.
• Murphy AC, Carroll W, Gotsell M, Potter C, Quint J, Malone R. How do patients determine when their inhaler is empty? Insights from an analysis of returned inhalers and a patient survey. BMJ Open Respir Res (2024); 11
• Tan R, Murphy A, Brightling C, Shaw D. Can we measure whether asthma guidelines lead to improved care? NPJ Primary Care Respiratory Medicine (2024); 34:16.
• Hnin Wint, A, Boddy CE, Hampson E, Bell M, Parnell L, Metcalf J, Balasundaram K, Murphy AC et al. Assessing ICS responsiveness in severe asthma using BDP/formoterol NEXThaler™ dose-counting European Respiratory Journal (2023); 62: Suppl. 67, PA4127.
• Vartiainen V, Lavorini F, Murphy AC, Rabe K. High inhaler resistance does not limit successful inspiratory maneuver among patients with asthma or COPD. Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery (2023); 20 (3)
• Apps L, Chantrell S, Majd S, Eglinton E, Singh S, Murphy AC, Green R, Hudson N, Bradding P, Evans R. Enabling adults with severe asthma to exercise: a qualitative examination of the challenges for patients and healthcare professionals. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice (2023)
• Murphy AC, Howlett D, Gowson A, Lewis H. Understanding the feasibility and environmental effectiveness of a postal inhaler recovery and recycling scheme. npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine (2023); 33:5
• Murphy AC. The case for digitalisation of prescriptions in clinical homecare settings. UK Healthcare News 2023.
• Murphy AC. Actions speak louder than words: How pharmacists can help make respiratory care greener. Journal of Medicines Optimisation. September 2021; Volume 7:Issue 3.
• Boddy CE, Naveed S, Craner M, Murphy AC, Siddiqui S, Bradding P. Clinical Outcomes in people with Difficult-to-Control Asthma using Electronic Monitoring to support Medication Adherence. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021; 9(4): 1529-1538.
• Murphy AC, Boddy C, Bradding P. Pro: Access to advanced therapies for severe asthma should be restricted to patients with satisfactory adherence to maintenance treatment. Breathe 2021; 17: 210024.
• Rupani H, Murphy AC, Bluer et al. Biologics in severe asthma: Which one, When and Where? Clin Exp Allergy. 2021;00:1–4
• Murphy AC. Inhalers – to switch or not to switch? That is the question. Thorax. 2020;75:e1
• Majd S, Hewitt S, Apps L, Murphy AC et.al. Understanding the measurement properties of the incremental shuttle walk test in patients with severe asthma. Respirology 2019; 24 (8).
• Apps L, Chantrell S, Majd S, Murphy AC et al. Patient preceptions of Living with Severe Asthma: Challenges to Effective Management. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. Nov-Dec 2019;7(8):2613-2621
• Russell AM, Olive S, Lines S, Murphy AC et al. Contemporary challenges for specialist nursing in interstitial lung disease. Breathe 2018; 14:36-41
• Chalmers J, Bobak A, Scullion J, Murphy AC. Withdrawal of ICS treatment in primary care: A practical guide. Practice Nursing 2017; 28 (1)
• Majd S, Apps LD, Hudson N, Hewitt S, Eglinton E, Murphy AC, et al. Protocol for a feasibility study to inform the development of a multicentre randomised controlled trial of asthma-tailored pulmonary rehabilitation versus usual care for individuals with severe asthma. BMJ Open 2016;6
• Murphy AC. How to optimise your patient’s inhaler technique. The Pharmaceutical Journal. 2016
• Murphy AC. Table of inhaled drugs. Primary Care Respiratory Society (PCRS); available on-line
• Stewart K (Murphy AC contributing author). 5 Steps to create an award-winning clinical service. Chemist and Druggist 03/05/2016
• Murphy AC. Optimising inhaler technique. Pharmacy Magazine. Sept 2015
• Khachi H, Meynell H, Murphy AC. Asthma Pathophysiology, causes and diagnosis. Clinical Pharmacist 2014; 6(9):
• Khachi H, Meynell H, Murphy AC. Asthma: Long term management. Clinical Pharmacist 2014; 6(9):
• Capstick T, Khachi H, Murphy AC, et al. Generic prescribing is not appropriate for inhaled drugs. The Pharmaceutical Journal 2015;
• Murphy AC. Making Asthma SIMPLE for your patients. The Pharmaceutical Journal 2014;292:515-517
• Ryan D, Murphy AC et al. SIMPLES: a structured review primary care approach to adults with difficult asthma. Prim Care Respir J 2013; 22(3): 365-373
• Murphy AC. Omalizumab in the management of asthma. Hospital Pharmacy Europe 2012; 65: 51-54
• Murphy AC, Proeschel A, Brightling C, et al. Relationship between clinical outcomes and medication adherence in difficult-to-control asthma. Thorax 2012;67:751-753
• Murphy AC, Belingheri S, Brightling C, et al. Can clinicians accurately predict non-adherence to medication in patients with difficult asthma? A comparison between clinical judgement and prescription issue data. Thorax 2011; 66:40-41
• Wilson PI, Range S, Murphy AC. Prescription issue data as a measure of adherence with nebulised therapy in an adult cystic fibrosis centre. Thorax 2011; 66: A164-165
• Murphy AC. The challenge of managing patients with difficult asthma. Hospital Pharmacy Europe. 2011; issue 55: 29-31.
• Murphy AC. Manage patients with difficult-to-control asthma in a specialist clinic. Clinical Pharmacist. 2011; 3: 30-32.
• Murphy AC, Proeschel A, Linnett M, et al. Identifying non-adherence with asthma medication and the relationship to clinical outcomes amongst adults with difficult-to-control asthma. Thorax 2010; 65:A151.
• Murphy AC. Asthma: The condition and its diagnosis. Clinical Pharmacist. 2010; 2: 203-207
• Murphy AC. Asthma: treatment and monitoring. Clinical Pharmacist. 2010; 2:209-215
• McFeeters M, Clayton S, Murphy AC. Are children with severe persistent allergic asthma receiving omalizumab routinely prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector for use in the vent of anaphylaxis? Thorax 2009;64:A100-A103
• Murphy AC. Update on Asthma Management. The Pharmaceutical Journal. 2008; 280: 283-286
• Murphy AC. Too breathless to leave home. The Chemist & Druggist (March 17th 2007): 17-19
• Murphy AC. Treatment for COPD. The Chemist & Druggist (March 24th 2007): 17-19
• Murphy AC. Role of the Pharmacist in patients with COPD. NLH Respiratory Library (November 2006). www.library.nhs.uk/respiratory/ViewResource.aspx?resID=187258
• Murphy AC, Clarke E, Walker C et al. An audit of the prescribing of tuberculosis (TB) medication across the primary / secondary care interface. Practical Evidence (May 2006): 24 - 34
• Shaw DE, Murphy AC, Berry MA, et al. An approach to the identification and management of poor treatment concordance in potentially life-threatening asthma. Thorax. 2004; 59: suppl II: ii32
• Murphy AC. Steroid induced osteoporosis. The Pharmacy Magazine. 2004; 10 (4): 12
• Murphy AC. Clinical comment: COPD. The Pharmacy Magazine (Oct 2003): p.28
• Murphy AC. Pharmacy Practice In Focus: the switch to CFC-free inhalers. The Pharmacy Magazine (May 2004): p14-15
• Murphy AC, Steiner MS. COPD – pharmacological management. Hospital Pharmacist. 2004; 11(9): 367-376
• Murphy AC. Current Thinking on the: Management of COPD – CPPE programme. The Pharmacy Magazine. Jul 2004; 10(7)
• Birring SS, Murphy AC, Scullion JE, et al. Idiopathic chronic cough and organ specific autoimmune diseases: A case controlled study. European Respiratory Journal. 2004; 98:242-246
• Murphy AC. Asthma Management. The Chemist & Druggist (June 2004): 23-26
• Murphy AC. The role of a Consultant Pharmacist. The Airways Journal. 2003; 1(3)
• Murphy AC, Tallis RC. Achieving Concordance through ethnic sensitivity ad lateral thinking: a case study. The Pharmaceutical Journal. 2003; 271 (7270): 511-512.
• Murphy AC. Inhaled steroids and Inhaled long-acting beta-2-agonits: The perfect combination for COPD patients? The Pharmacy Magazine. 2003; 10(5).
• Murphy AC. Current thinking on the management of Asthma: CPPE programme. Pharm. Magazine 2003; 9(5)
• Scullion JE, Murphy AC, Rushby I. Respiratory care practice profile raises concerns. Nursing Standard. 2002; 16:47
• Murphy AC. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The role of the Community Nurse. The Irish Nurse Nov 2002.
• Murphy AC. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The role of the Community Nurse. The Scottish Nurse Nov 2002
• Murphy AC. Taking breath away. Community Pharmacy. 2003; 18-19
• Murphy AC. Inspiring work – Respiratory patients benefit from pharmacist’s expertise. The Pharmaceutical Journal. 2001; 269: 94

• Pharmacy Practice
• Respiratory Medicine
• Allergy
• Inhaled drug delivery
• Medicine adherence
• MDT working

• Asthma
• COPD
• Inhaled Therapy
• Allergy
• Interstitial Lung Diseases

• 2012 University of Derby, Doctorate of Pharmacy, (DPharm)
• 2008 DeMontfort University, Independent Prescribing (IPresc)
• 2004 University of Derby, Supplementary Prescribing
• 1999 Loughborough College of Higher Education, Nebs Management (level 2)
• 1996 Brighton University, MSc. in Clinical Pharmacy
• 1994 London School of Pharmacy, Certificate Clinical Pharmacy Practice
• 1992 Manchester University, BSc. Pharmacy, 1st class honours

• Pharmacy MPharm
• Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing

• Clinical Pharmacy Congress, winner Clinical Leadership Award 2023
• University of Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust Recognition Award nomination 2023
• Health Services Journal Winner Sustainability Project of the Year Award 2023
• Health Services Journal Winner Partnership of the Year Award 2023
• UKCPA Lifetime Achievement Award 2019
• Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists Gold Medal award 2019
• FRPharmS (appointed Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society GB)
• UHL Caring at its Best Award - we are “Passionate and Creative in our work”
• Chemist and Druggist (C&D) Awards – Clinical Service of the Year – winner June 2015
• The Pharmaceutical Care Awards – RPS/GSK – winner June 2012
• Clinical Leaders Network (CLN) Aqua Henderson Award 2nd Place 2012
• UKCPA/GHP/GSK: Clinical Leadership Award 2011

• Asthma & Lung UK Member Council of Healthcare Professionals 2025 -
• Asthma & Lung UK Research Review Panel 2024 -
• Editorial Board – Frontiers in Allergy Journal 2023 -
• British Thoracic Society (BTS) – Workforce and Service Development committee 2024 - • British Thoracic Society (BTS) Council 2023 -
• NHSE coding and tariff Expert Working Group (EWR) 2023 -
• NHSE&I Inhaler Working Group 2021 - 2024
• DHSC/UKRI Covid-19 Rapid Response Rolling Call. College of Experts 2020 – 2021
• British Thoracic Society (BTS) Pharmacist Specialist Advisory Group Chair 2019 – 2023
• Taskforce for Lung Health, co-chair (RPS) Medicine Optimisation committee 2019 –
• NHS England Severe Asthma Improving Value Programme steering committee 2019 – 2021
• NHS England Severe Asthma IV Programme – Adherence work stream co-lead 2019 – 2021
• LLR STP Medicine Optimisation T&F Group Chair 2019 – 2020
• RPS representative for Taskforce for Lung Health 2018 –
• ILD-INN mentorship programme 2018 – 2021
• Primary Care Respiratory Society – UK, Education Committee 2017 – 2019
• Chair Leicestershire and Rutland Respiratory Prescribing Group 2016 –
• UK Inhaler Group committee member 2016 – 2022
• Asthma UK Council of Healthcare Professionals 2015 – 2022
• Committee member UKCPA-Respiratory Group 2014 –
• NHS England Internal Medicine - Specialised Respiratory CRG member 2013 – 2022
• Anaphylaxis campaign scientific healthcare professional panel member 2012 –

• Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS)
• General Pharmaceutical Council (GhPC)
• United Kingdom Clinical Pharmacy Association (UKCPA)
• Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists (GHP)
• British Thoracic Society (BTS)
• European Respiratory Society (ERS)
• Primary Care Pharmacists Association (PCPA)
• Primary Care Respiratory Society (PCRS)
• International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)

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