RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Predictors of good inhaler technique in asthma and COPD
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP PA3928
DO 10.1183/13993003.congress-2015.PA3928
VO 46
IS suppl 59
A1 Kyra Camilleri
A1 Martin Balzan
A1 Michael Pace Bardon
A1 Emma Schembri
A1 Michael Sullivan
A1 Simon Mifsud
A1 Darlene Muscat
A1 Rachelle Asciaq
A1 Stephen Montefort
YR 2015
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/46/suppl_59/PA3928.abstract
AB Intro: The use of inhalers or other devices is dependent on proper technique.Aim: To evaluate Asthma and COPD patients and determine factors that predict proper inhaler use.Methods: 167 patients (Male 45%, Mean age 57.6, std 15.3 years) were recruited both from hospital outpatients and from the community. Patients had to be on regular inhalers. 41.3% were under the care of a respiratory physician, 25.7% GP, 19.8% both, and 13.2% none. A questionnaire was filled by the patient followed by direct observation of inhaler technique.Results: Self-rating of inhaler technique 0-10 mean 7.91, sd 2.06, with 80.1% >=7/10. 67.7% said use of inhaler was easy or very easy, 93.4% said inhalers were effective or very effective. 164 patients used MDIs, of which 119 utilized a spacer. 32(19.2%) used formoterol aerolizer, and 8 (4.8%) used a turbohaler. MDI use was analysed in 12 steps, and 13 with spacer. Mean score was 82.9% (95%CI 80.7-85.1). Paired T test and Mann whitney test comparing with self rating (p=0.45,0.24). Spearman Correlation p=-0.021. Predictors for score >=80%: demo by other health worker OR 4.39(1.62-11.94,p=0.002), Male Gender 4.13(1.75-9.8 p=0.0001), Influenza vaccine ever 3.7(1.17-11.8, p=0.023), Education level 1-4 1.79(1.15-2.77, p=0.006), number of times explained by doctor 0-4 1.43(1.0-2.47, p=0.048), years of use in decades 1.29(0.98-1.67,p=0.058), self-score 1-10 1.28(1.05-1.56, p=0.012), Use of reliever 0-4 0.74(0.56-0.99, p=0.041), Heart disease 0.25(0.09-0.75, p=0.011).Conclusion: Patients' self-rating, repeated physician demos, health professional demos, longer duration of use, education level and male gender and lower reliever use predicted good technique in a group with high percentage of good technique.