Patient characteristics associated with poor inhaler technique among a cohort of patients with COPD
Author Department
Healthcare Quality; Medicine
Document Type
Article, Peer-reviewed
Publication Date
2-2017
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Inhaled therapies are the cornerstone of pharmacologic management for COPD. Each device requires a unique series of steps to be most effective, making appropriate instruction in inhaler technique a key part of the management of COPD.
OBJECTIVES:
Examine characteristics of patients and devices associated with poor technique among patients with COPD.
METHODS:
Cross-sectional study of subjects with COPD using at least one of: metered dose inhaler, Advair Diskus, Spiriva Handihaler, identified from the COPD Outcomes-based Network for Clinical Effectiveness and Research Translation (CONCERT) registry. Technique was assessed face-to-face using manufacturer-provided dummy inhalers, with standardized checklists for each device. We used logistic regression to model associations with poor inhaler technique, defined as an error in ≥20% of the steps, as a function of patient characteristics, with educational attainment the primary predictor.
RESULTS:
688 individuals meet eligibility criteria, 65.5% had poor technique for at least one device. In adjusted analyses, Black race was associated with poor technique (OR 3.25, 95%CI 1.86-5.67) while greater than high school education was associated with decreased odds of poor technique (OR 0.35, 95%CI 0.17-0.70 for trade school/some college, OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.11-0.61 for college or more, p ≤ 0.001 for test of linear trend). The percentage of errors varied between devices, with subjects making proportionally the most errors for MDIs.
CONCLUSIONS:
Poor inhaler technique is common among individuals with COPD, varies between devices, and is associated with race and educational attainment. Tailored educational interventions to teach inhaler technique should be part of the process of initiating and monitoring inhaled therapies.
Recommended Citation
Melzer AC, Ghassemieh BJ, Gillespie SE, Lindenauer PK, McBurnie MA, Mularski RA, Naureckas ET, Vollmer WM, Au DH. Patient characteristics associated with poor inhaler technique among a cohort of patients with COPD. Respir Med. 2017 Feb;123:124-130.
PMID
28137488