Abstract
Background: Correct inhalation is crucial for effective drug delivery in asthma and COPD therapy. Studies report that up to 85% of patients do not use their inhalers correctly. To date there are no studies assessing DPI use in COPD or asthma patients in Greece.
Aims: The primary aim of the current study was to assess the usability of three commonly used DPI devices in Greece.
Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective, observational study. Device use assessment was performed at baseline, immediately after correct use demonstration by the investigator, and the final visit (day 30), and it was based on 8-step device-specific checklists. The primary variable was the number of critical errors observed at baseline and final visit. The FSI-10 questionnaire was utilized to record patients' feeling of satisfaction from inhaler use.
Results: In this study 755 patients (346 COPD) were enrolled from 54 centers and 739 completed the study. The total number of critical errors observed at baseline was 92 for (Diskus®), 93 for (Elpenhaler®) and 106 for (Turbuhaler®), while a month later the number of critical errors decreased to 61 for (Diskus®), 31 for (Elpenhaler®) and 86 for (Turbuhaler®). All patients were at least fairly satisfied by their inhalers.
Conclusions: The number of critical errors decreased in all tested devices a month later, suggesting that patient education is of paramount importance when prescribing an inhaled therapy. The low reported error rates suggest adherence to therapy and better disease control.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
