Inhaler devices in asthma and COPD - An assessment of inhaler technique and patient preferences

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Chorao, P (Author) Other; Pereira, AM (Author) FMUP; Fonseca, J (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Respiratory Medicine

Vol. 108

Pages: 968-975

ISSN: 0954-6111

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 95 Citations

Scopus - 101 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-J9D

DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2014.04.019

Abstract (EN): Background: Incorrect use of inhaler devices remains an obstacle for respiratory diseases management. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of inhaler technique errors; to determine the devices perceived as the easiest and favourite to use; to study the association of device type, demographics and patient preferences with inhaler technique (IT). Methods: Cross-sectional assessment of 301 adults, with asthma (194) or chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, undergoing treatment with Aerolizer((R)), Autohaler((R)), Breezehaler((R)), Diskus((R)), Handihater((R)), MDI without spacer, Miat-haler((R)), Novolizer((R)), Respimat((R)) and/or Turbohaler((R)). Patients completed self-assessment questionnaires and face-to-face interview, with demonstration of inhaler technique. The rate of wrong steps (number of wrong steps divided by number of total steps; RWS) was the primary outcome. Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% confidence intervals [Cl]) for presenting >=1 IT errors were computed. Results: From the 464 inhaler technique performances, the median RWS was 18%. Turbohaler((R)) (21%) and Diskus((R)) (19%) were chosen as easiest and Novolizer((R)) (18%), Diskus((R)) (18%), Turbohaler((R)) (17%) as favourite for daily use. Females (aOR 2.68 [95% CI 1.55-4.65]; vs. males], patients with >64 yr (aOR 2.73 [95% CI 1.15-6.48]; vs <45 yr) and patients using Aerolizer or Handihaler (aOR 3.24 [95% CI 1.13-9.32] and aOR 3.71 [95% CI 1.38-10.2], respectively) were more likely to perform IT errors; otherwise, no association was found, including with using the favourite device (aOR 1.43 [95% CI 0.84-2.42]). Conclusion: The frequency of inhaler technique errors was high and no device was clearly preferred over the others. Using the preferred inhaler device was not associated with less errors.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8