@article {Metting2701, author = {Esther I. Metting and Marije Peters and Corine Rollema and Job F.M. Van Boven and Robbert Sanderman}, title = {Lack of knowledge regarding nasal inhaler technique in allergic rhinitis: results from a mixed methods study}, volume = {56}, number = {suppl 64}, elocation-id = {2701}, year = {2020}, doi = {10.1183/13993003.congress-2020.2701}, publisher = {European Respiratory Society}, abstract = {Introduction: Allergic rhinitis (AR) can have a major impact on patients{\textquoteright} lives. lives. Over 90\% of patients do not administer their nasal spray correctly, resulting in unnecessary symptoms and side effects. It is unclear whether and how care providers give instructions, how patients use their nasal spray and how accurate the information in the leaflets is.Aim: Evaluate current practice regarding nasal inhaler technique (education) and identify critical gaps in care.Method: Study consisted of 3 phases: (1) Semi-structured interviews in healthcare providers and patients (18 - 55 years, using AR nasal sprays on prescription or over-the-counter). The nasal spray technique was recorded on video and analysed. (2) Patient information leaflets of nasal sprays for AR were analysed and (3) an online symptom and experiences questionnaire was distributed among patients with AR. The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification will be used to describe the severity.Results: 9 health care providers and 17 patients (mean age 40{\textpm}12 years, 41\% male) were interviewed. (1) Patients receive hardly any instruction and they are insufficiently aware that an instruction is necessary. Healthcare providers do not see the necessity of an instruction. No patient administered the spray correctly. (2) 19\% of the leaflets (n = 23) described >=10 of the steps correctly. (3) Questionnaires (N=96) indicated that patients{\textquoteright} symptoms are insufficiently controlled and have significant impact on quality of life ( ARIA category Moderate-Severe: n=117, 95\%).Conclusion: More attention should be paid to nasal inhaler technique knowledge in order to improve health status in patients with AR.FootnotesCite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2020; 56: Suppl. 64, 2701.This abstract was presented at the 2020 ERS International Congress, in session {\textquotedblleft}Respiratory viruses in the "pre COVID-19" era{\textquotedblright}.This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).}, issn = {0903-1936}, URL = {https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/56/suppl_64/2701}, eprint = {https://erj.ersjournals.com/content}, journal = {European Respiratory Journal} }