A study to assess inhaler technique and its potential impact on asthma control in patients attending an asthma clinic. (May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harnett, C. M.; Hunt, E. B.; Bowen, B. R.; O'Connell, O. J.; Edgeworth, D. M.; Mitchell, P.; Eustace, J. A.; Henry, M. T.; Kennedy, M. P.; Plant, B. J.; Murphy, D. M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of asthma. Volume 51:Number 4(2014)
• Page Start: 440
• Page End: 445
• Publication Date: 2014-05
• Subjects: Asthma -- Periodicals; 616.238005
• DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2013.876650
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-0903

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objectives</italic>: The aim of this study was to evaluate inhaler technique and symptom control in patients with poorly controlled asthma at baseline and at follow-up in a dedicated asthma clinic in a tertiary hospital. We also investigated the impact of asthma on these patients' quality of life. <italic>Methods</italic>: Patients referred to a newly established asthma clinic in Cork University Hospital were prospectively recruited over a 6-month period. Their inhaler technique was assessed by a pulmonary nurse specialist using a validated scoring system. They received instruction on inhaler usage when scores were suboptimal. Patients completed a validated asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) and asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ). At follow-up 3–4 months later, the inhaler technique was reassessed and the ACQ questionnaire repeated. <italic>Results</italic>: Forty-six patients were recruited (female = 74%), and 40/46 were followed up. Mean [SD] FEV1 % predicted at baseline = 76.5% [21.5]. About 63% of the patients were classified as incorrectly using their inhaler at their initial assessment. This decreased to 20% at follow-up, indicating an overall significant improvement in inhaler usage post-training (<italic>p</italic> = 0.003). ACQ scores improved significantly from median [interquartile range] 2.70 [1.66] to 2.00 [1.90] (<italic>p</italic> = 0.002). Baseline measurement indicated that patients' quality of life was moderately affected by asthma, with a median AQLQ score of 4.75 [1.97]. <italic>Conclusion</italic>: This study demonstrates the importance of educating and formally assessing inhaler technique in patients with asthma as a part of their ongoing clinical review.</p> </abstract>