Optimizing inhaler use by pharmacist-provided education to community-dwelling elderly

Recognizing and Tackling Inhaler Technique Decay in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disesase (COPD) Clinical Practice

A poor inhaler technique continues to represent a substantial barrier to effective asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management. It can result in perceived lack of treatment effectiveness even with apparent adherence to a prescribed regimen of inhaled maintenance therapies, potentially resulting in an unnecessary change or escalation of treatment. Many patients are not trained to inhaler mastery in real-world practice; furthermore, even where mastery is initially achieved, an ongoing assessment and education are seldom maintained. In this review, we present an overview of the evidence for deterioration of the inhaler technique over time after training, investigate the factors that contribute to this deterioration, and explore innovative approaches to addressing the problem. We also propose steps forward drawn from the literature and our clinical insights.

Exploring General Practitioners' Preferences and Experience with Respiratory Inhaler Devices

Introduction

Correct inhaler technique is essential for the optimal delivery of inhaled medicines and the successfully management of respiratory conditions. The general practitioner (GP), the prescriber of inhaled medicines, plays a crucial role in educating patients on inhaler technique. However, in the real-world setting, there are barriers. For the GP, it is time and competence and for the patient, it is their ability to recognise inhaler technique as an issue and their ability to maintain correct inhaler technique over time. This study aimed to determine GPs’ experience, skills and priority placed on inhaler technique and to identify factor(s) associated with inhaler technique competence.

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study design surveyed GPs’ perspectives on inhaler use and preferences for inhaler prescribing within their practice setting. GP inhaler technique was assessed. GPs were recruited through an established network of GP practices. Data collected include (i) practice demographics, (ii) inhaler technique opinions and experience, (iii) inhaler prescribing preferences and (iv) inhaler education history data. Data were analysed descriptively and multivariate logistic regression modelling was used to explore the relationship between outcomes and GPs’ ability to use devices correctly.

Results

A total of 227 GPs completed the inhaler survey. Sixty-three percent of GPs reported receiving previous inhaler education and 73.3% educated or checked their patients’ inhaler technique; 64.5% felt they were somewhat competent in doing so. GPs who reported not demonstrating inhaler technique believed that a pharmacist or a practice nurse would do so. When prescribing new inhaler devices, GPs considered the disease being treated first and then patient’s experience with inhalers; they often already have an inhaler preference and this was related to familiarity and perceived ease of use. For GPs, inhaler competence was not associated with their previous inhaler education or the priority placed on inhaler technique.

Conclusion

GPs do recognise the importance of inhaler technique in respiratory management but their technique can be better supported with regular educational updates to inform them about new inhalers and management practices and to support appropriate inhaler choices for their patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41030-022-00197-6.

Impact of Pharmacist Education on Inhaler Technique and Adherence in an Outpatient Clinic

Background and Objectives: To assess the impact that pharmacist education has on proper inhaler technique and adherence in a teaching clinic. Methods: This was prospective, non-randomized, pre-test/post-test study. Patients were 18 years or older, had a diagnosis of asthma or COPD, and prescribed at least 1 inhaled medication. Initial visits consisted of a baseline asthma control test (ACT) or COPD assessment test (CAT), the Test of Adherence to Inhalers (TAI), and a baseline inhaler technique evaluation. The pharmacist then educated the patient. Then inhaler technique was assessed again (post-education inhaler technique evaluation #1). Follow-up visits occurred 4 to 8 weeks later. ACT or CAT and TAI test were administered and inhaler technique was assessed again (post-education inhaler technique #2). The primary outcome was the comparison of the percentage of correct steps performed from baseline to post-education inhaler technique evaluation #1 and from baseline to post-education inhaler technique evaluation #2. Results: Eighteen patients were included, with a mean age of 58 years old. Over half had asthma, were female and African American. There was a significant difference in inhaler technique from baseline to post-education inhaler evaluation #1 and from baseline to post-education inhaler evaluation #2. The most common step missed was no exhalation before inhalation. There was no significant difference when comparing the individual and overall TAI test scores from initial to follow up visit. Conclusions: This study supports pharmacist-led inhaler technique education.

Effect of pharmacist-led inhaler technique assessment service on readmissions in hospitalized COPD patients: a randomized, controlled pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of pharmacist-led inhaler technique assessment service on readmissions and CAT-score in hospitalized COPD patients. Furthermore, to provide an effect estimate for sample size calculations for future studies and to gain experience on the feasibility of such studies.

METHODS

A randomized controlled pilot study. Patients were randomized 1:1 to intervention or standard care. The primary endpoint was the difference in time to first readmission after hospital discharge between the treatment groups.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant effect on the time to readmission (median 41 days in the intervention group (19 patients) and 95 days in the control group (20 patients), HR 1.74, 95% CI 0.81-3.75, p = 0.16). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in CAT-score 2 months after discharge, median scores being 25.5 and 24 in the intervention and the control group, respectively (p = 0.29). There was, however, a reduction of 3.5 units in CAT-score from baseline to 2 months after discharge in the intervention group, compared to no change in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacist-led inhaler technique training had no effect on time to readmission or CAT-score. Future studies in larger populations should consider focusing on patients with less severe COPD, exploring CAT-score as a primary endpoint, consider stratifying for important baseline variables and evaluate the acceptability of the intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Date of registration 01/10/2018.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov identifier: NCT03691324.

Evaluating the Impact of Medication Risk Mitigation Services in Medically Complex Older Adults

Adverse drug events (ADEs) represent an expensive societal burden that disproportionally affects older adults. Therefore, value-based organizations that provide care to older adults—such as the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)—should be highly motivated to identify actual or potential ADEs to mitigate risks and avoid downstream costs. We sought to determine whether PACE participants receiving medication risk mitigation (MRM) services exhibit improvements in total healthcare costs and other outcomes compared to participants not receiving structured MRM. Data from 2545 PACE participants from 19 centers were obtained for the years 2018 and 2019. We compared the year-over-year changes in outcomes between patients not receiving (control) or receiving structured MRM services. Data were adjusted based on participant multimorbidity and geographic location. Our analyses demonstrate that costs in the MRM cohort exhibited a significantly smaller year-to-year increase compared to the control (MRM: USD 4386/participant/year [95% CI, USD 3040−5732] vs. no MRM: USD 9410/participant/year [95% CI, USD 7737−11,084]). Therefore, receipt of structured MRM services reduced total healthcare costs (p < 0.001) by USD 5024 per participant from 2018 to 2019. The large majority (75.8%) of the reduction involved facility-related expenditures (e.g., hospital admission, emergency department visits, skilled nursing). In sum, our findings suggest that structured MRM services can curb growing year-over-year healthcare costs for PACE participants.

The Influence of the Pharmacists’ Training on the Quality and Comprehensiveness of Professional Advice Given in the Field of Inhalation Techniques in Community Pharmacies in Poland

Background: Following the example of other countries, it is very important to educate patients on the correct use of inhalers by properly trained healthcare professionals, including pharmacists. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the quality and comprehensiveness of professional advice given by pharmacists on the use of inhalers, which was determined by the pharmacists’ level of training. Methods: The study was conducted from June 2019 to March 2020. 150 pharmacists from Poznan and Warsaw (Poland) were involved. Before the study began, the professional education of 240 pharmacists was conducted in Warsaw to implement standard operating procedures. The study used the model of a mystery shopper. Results: The conversation with a trained pharmacist lasted on average 5.5 min, with an untrained one—3.0 min (p < 0.0001). Placebo inhalers were used more often by trained pharmacists during patients’ education (p < 0.0001). Moreover, 10.3% of untrained pharmacists did not provide any education. Additionally, untrained employees’ quality of advice was assessed on an average of 3.5 points, while trained ones—7.6 points (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This study has shown that there is a need for professional training among pharmacists in Poland, which translates into better patient education in the field of inhalation techniques.

Brashier DB. A study to monitor errors in use of inhalation devices in patients of mild-to-moderate bronchial asthma in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India

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The relationship between cognitive function and competence in inhaler technique in older adults with airway disease

Cognitive impairment has high prevalence in older adults with airway diseases, and may influence their competence in inhaler use, thereby negatively affecting patient prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between cognitive function and competence in inhaler technique. We enrolled 108 inhaler naïve older adults (≥60 years) with airway disease in this prospective observational study and performed the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE). After explaining the inhaler technique, we scored its competence. While the total K-MMSE score was unrelated to the inhaler score, the orientation for place (estimates=0.62, p = 0.009), registration (estimates=0.988, p = 0.037), and recall (estimates=0.161, p = 0.048) were positively associated with the score. Low K-MMSE scores were associated with lower odds ratio for the competence of the "exhale" step (adjusted odds ratio= 0.23, p = 0.018). Thus, a K-MMSE-mediated evaluation of cognitive function in older adults with airway disease can be a useful tool to predict inhaler competence.

Effect of inner physical properties on powder adhesion in inhalation capsules in case of a high resistance device

The inhalation performance of a dry powder inhaler (DPI) depends on the inhalation patterns of patients, inhalation particle characteristics and inhalation devices. In capsule-based DPIs, the capsule plays an important role in the dispersion of inhalation particles. The present study investigated the effects of inner physical properties of capsules on drug release from capsules-based DPIs with high resistance device. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to evaluate the capsule physical properties, such as the capsule inner structure and surface potential, of three capsules with different compositions (G-Cap, PEG/G-Cap, and HPMC-Cap). As a model dry powder for capsule-based DPIs, the dry powder in Spiriva^® Inhalation Capsules containing tiotropium bromide was used. Inhalation performance was evaluated using a twin-stage liquid impinge and Handihaler^® (flow rate 30 l/min). The results indicated that the capsule inner surface presented with numerous valleys and mountains, regardless of the capsule type. Furthermore, the valley and mountain areas on the capsule inner surface showed a significantly higher or lower surface potential. Following inhalation of capsule-based DPIs, the drug remained in the valleys on the capsule inner surface; however, no significant difference was observed in the drug release from capsule and lung drug delivery. Therefore, inhalation performance in capsule-based DPIs when a high resistance device, such as Handihaler^®, is used at an appropriately flow rate is not markedly affected by the physical properties of the capsule inner surface due to capsule composition.

Medication Therapy Management for Texas MediCAID Patients With Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Pharmacists can play an important role in providing medication therapy management (MTM) services, which focus on appropriate medication use. This pilot study aimed to describe pharmacists' MTM service provision, results/outcomes of pharmacists' recommendations and resolution/acceptance rate among patients with high-risk asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

This was a prospective descriptive study of MTM services provided by community pharmacists to Texas Medicaid patients (5-63 years) with "high risk" asthma or COPD. Patients received in-person and telephone consultations that included medication review, asthma control test assessment, and education on adherence and proper medication/device use. Data extracted from MTM software was used to describe: reasons for MTM services, type of pharmacists' interventions, outcomes of pharmacists' recommendations and acceptance rate.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight pharmacists provided 139 MTM interventions with 63 patients (2.2 interventions per patient). The most frequent intervention reason was complex drug therapy (53.2%), underuse of medication (8.6%), need for drug therapy (8.6%), new or changed prescription therapy (6.5%), and administration technique (5.0%). The resolution rate was 77.7%. Patient and prescriber, respectively, refused recommendation in 12% and 6% of the interventions. Outcomes included comprehensive medication review (46.7%), improved adherence (6.5%), therapeutic success (6.5%), improved administration technique (5.0%), and initiation of new therapy (5.0%).

CONCLUSION

Through the provision of MTM, pharmacists were able to identify and intervene with medication-related problems. These interventions are instrumental in helping patients better manage their asthma/COPD. The high resolution rate was encouraging. Larger scale studies are needed to assess clinical and economic outcomes.

Assessment of Poor Inhaler Technique in Older Patients with Asthma or COPD: A Predictive Tool for Clinical Risk and Inhaler Performance

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Older patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are particularly susceptible to inhaler technique errors and poor clinical outcomes. Several factors may influence their risk, but most studies are inconsistent and contradictory. We developed a tool for the major predictors of individual risk in these patients.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

In this multicentre, cross-sectional study, several demographic, socioeconomic and clinical characteristics were collected as potential predictors. Clinical features and inhaler technique performance were the main outcomes. Linear and logistic regression models were set up to identify significant variables. Subgroup analysis was performed according to age, cognitive performance and different types of inhalers.

RESULTS

We included 130 participants, mean age of 74.4 (± 6.4) years. Mean years of device use were 5.8 (± 7.3). Inhaler errors affected 71.6% (95% CI 64-78.5) and critical mistakes 31.1% (95% CI 24-38.8). There were respiratory comorbidities in 82.3% of participants, and 56.2% had moderate to severe disease. A predictive score of misuse probability was developed for clinical practice, including points attributable to cognitive score, adherence and having received previous education on a placebo device. Other significant variables of individual risk were having respiratory allergies or comorbidities, smoking status, depression and educational level. Worse performance was detected in cognitively impaired patients older than 75 years who were using dry powder inhalers (DPI). Lung function was associated with smoking load, incorrect dose activation and absent end pause after inhalation.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual risk assessment in older individuals should focus on inhaler technique performance (mainly on dose activation and end pause) and adherence, smoking, respiratory comorbidities and cognitive impairment. Placebo device training provided by doctors seems to best suit these patients.

The effects of repeated inhaler device handling education in COPD patients: a prospective cohort study

Inhaler education for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients improves inhaler technique and adherence. However, the effects of such education on the quality of life and inhaler satisfaction remain unclear. Here, we evaluated inhaler handling and adherence, and changes in quality of life and inhaler satisfaction, after repeated education for COPD patients. We prospectively enrolled COPD patients who had used inhalers for over 1 month and evaluated the effects of repeated education. Three visits were made over 6 months; an advanced practice nurse evaluated inhaler technique and adherence, and instructed the patients in inhaler technique during face-to-face sessions. Inhaler technique and adherence were assessed at every visits, and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) test, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Feeling of Satisfaction with Inhaler questionnaire (FSI-10) were administered before (visit 1) and after two educational sessions (visit 3). A total of 261 COPD patients (308 inhalers) were included. Education significantly reduced the proportion of critical errors after two educational sessions (visit 3), from 43.2 to 8.8% (p < 0.001). The proportion of highly compliant patients increased after two visits, from 81.6% to 87.7% (p = 0.005). The FSI-10 score improved significantly after education, from 44.36 ± 4.69 to 47.64 ± 4.08 (p < 0.001); the scores on the other instruments (mMRC, CAT, EQ-5D, and PHQ-9) did not improve. Repeated face-to-face inhaler education by an advanced practice nurse significantly improved inhaler satisfaction, technique, and adherence. However, inhaler education did not significantly improve quality of life.

Retrospective analysis of the effect of inhaler education on improvements in inhaler usage

INTRODUCTION

Various types of inhalation devices have been released, and it is necessary to acquire the skills for using each of them. The factors that have been previously associated with poor inhalator usage include gender, duration of disease, age, and the type of device. However, it is unclear whether these factors also apply to the Japanese population. The number of education sessions needed to acquire inhaler usage skills is also not established.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of selected patients and their subjective assessments of their inhaler usage skills between January 2016 and March 2018. The primary outcome was the effect of inhaler education for each inhaler device. The secondary outcomes were the factors affecting the effectiveness of inhaler education, the effects of inhalation education stratified by age, and the number of inhaler education sessions needed to improve inhaler usage skills.

RESULTS

Data from 399 patients were analyzed. Age and the type of delivery device affected the mastery of inhaler usage skills. Approximately half of the patients had acquired inhaler usage skills during baseline evaluation. Approximately 90% of patients acquired inhalation usage skills after two education sessions, regardless of the type of inhalation device. Among the older patients, 35.0% had acquired inhaler usage skills during the baseline evaluation, and 86.8% acquired them after two education sessions.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhaler usage skills significantly improved, regardless of the device, after inhalation education, and this was also observed in elderly patients after two education sessions.

Promoting Community Pharmacy Practice for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management: A Systematic Review and Logic Model

Purpose

This study aimed 1) to identify and analyse the professional services provided by community pharmacists for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management; and 2) to develop a logic model for community pharmacy practice for COPD management.

Methods

A systematic review with a logic model was applied. English-language databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus) and a Chinese database (CNKI) were searched for articles published between January 2009 and June 2019. Studies concerning pharmacists and COPD were identified to screen for studies that focused on professional services provided at a community pharmacy level. Evidence on economic, clinical, and humanistic outcomes of interventions was summarized.

Results

Twenty-five articles were included in this study. Four categories of COPD-related interventions by community pharmacists were identified: 1) primary prevention; 2) early detection; 3) therapy management; and 4) long-term health management. The most common outputs examined were improvement in inhaler technique, medication adherence, and rate of smoking cessation. The clinical (improved quality of life, reduced frequency and severity of symptoms and exacerbation), humanistic (patient satisfaction), and economic (overall healthcare costs) outcomes were tested for some interventions through clinical studies. Contextual factors concerning pharmacists, healthcare providers, patients, facilities, clinic context, and socio-economic aspects were also identified.

Conclusion

Studies in the literature have proposed and examined different components of professional services provided by community pharmacists for COPD management. However, relationships among outcomes, comprehensive professional services of community pharmacists, and contextual factors have not been systematically tested. More well-designed, rigorous studies with more sensitive and specific outcomes measures need to be conducted to assess the effect of community pharmacy practice for COPD management.

The Relationship Between Clinical Trial Participation and Inhaler Technique Errors in Asthma and COPD Patients

Background

Incorrect inhaler use is associated with poorer health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and higher healthcare utilisation in patients with asthma and COPD.

Methods

We performed an observational study of pressurized metered-dose inhaler technique in patients with asthma or COPD. Patients were assessed using a six-point inhaler checklist to identify common critical inhaler technique errors. An inadequate inhaler technique was defined as the presence of one or more critical errors. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the odds of an inadequate inhaler technique.

Results

During the 14-month study period, 357 patients were enrolled. At least one critical error was executed by 66.7% of participants, and 24.9% made four or more critical errors. The most common errors were failure to exhale completely prior to pMDI activation and inhalation (49.6%), failure to perform a slow, deep inhalation following device activation (48.7%), and failure to perform a breath-hold at the end of inspiration (47.3%). The risk of a critical error was higher in COPD patients (aOR 2.25, 95% CI 1.13–4.47). Prior training reduced error risk specifically when trained by a doctor (aOR 0.08, 95% CI 0.1–0.57) or a pharmacist (aOR 0.02, 95% CI 0.01–0.26) compared to those with no training. Previous clinical trial participation significantly reduced error risk and rate: <3 trials (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.19–0.66) and ≥3 trials (aOR 0.17, 95% CI 0.07–0.42). The rate of critical errors was not significantly associated with age, sex, or prior pMDI experience.

Conclusion

This study found a high rate of critical inhaler technique errors in a mixed population of asthma and COPD patients; however, prior training and, in particular, multiple previous clinical trial participation significantly reduced the risk of errors.

What can be done to impact respiratory inhaler misuse: exploring the problem, reasons, and solutions

INTRODUCTION

Respiratory inhalers, when used correctly, provide critical treatments for managing pulmonary conditions. However, many patients misuse inhalers, negatively affecting disease control, quality of life, healthcare utilization, and costs. Numerous factors are associated with misuse and are nested within four levels of influence: individual, interpersonal, organizational/institutional, and policy.

AREAS COVERED

This review analyzed published literature and identified the most salient factors at each socio-ecological framework level. English language articles from any year were identified from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase databases. Misuse exists across clinical settings, patient populations, and device types. Several potential solutions are highlighted. Published interventions to improve inhaler technique have utilized handouts, in-person, virtual, and biofeedback approaches both inside and outside of healthcare settings with varied effectiveness. However, some interventions have superior effectiveness for improving technique and reducing acute care utilization.

EXPERT OPINION

To robustly address inhaler misuse, future solutions should focus on multi-level approaches to account for the myriad of factors contributing to inhaler misuse. Solutions should also streamline inhaler equipment, identify innovative technology-based solutions, support collaborations across healthcare and non-healthcare settings, and ensure reimbursement to healthcare professionals for inhaler education. Rigorous research studies must be funded and supported to identify and disseminate solutions.

Prescriber-Initiated Engagement of Pharmacists for Information and Intervention in Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

Little is known about the types of drug information inquiries (DIIs) prescribers caring for older adults ask pharmacists during routine practice. The objective of this research was to analyze the types of DIIs prescribing clinicians of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) made to clinical pharmacists during routine patient care. This was a retrospective analysis of documented pharmacists' encounters with PACE prescribers between March through December, 2018. DIIs were classified using a developed taxonomy that describes prescribers' motivations for consulting with pharmacists and their drug information needs. Prescribers made 414 DIIs during the study period. Medication safety concerns motivated the majority of prescribers' inquiries (223, 53.9%). Inquiries received frequently involved modifying drug therapy (94, 22.7%), identifying or resolving adverse drug events (75, 18.1%), selecting or adjusting doses (61, 14.7%), selecting new drug therapies (57, 13.8%), and identifying or resolving drug interactions (52, 12.6%). Central nervous system medications (e.g., antidepressants and opioids), were involved in 38.6% (n = 160) of all DIIs. When answering DIIs, pharmacists made 389 recommendations. Start alternative medications (18.0%), start new medications (16.7%), and change doses (12.1%) were the most frequent recommendations rendered. Prescribers implemented at least 79.3% (n = 268) of recommendations based on pharmacy records (n = 338 verifiable recommendations). During clinical practice, PACE prescribers commonly ask pharmacists a variety of DIIs, largely related to medication safety concerns. In response to these DIIs, pharmacists provide medication management recommendations, which are largely implemented by prescribers.

Application of Once-Monthly Self-Reported ACT Questionnaire in Management of Adherence to Inhalers in Outpatients with Asthma

PURPOSE

Poor medication adherence can negatively affect health outcomes of patients with asthma from medication and significantly increase the healthcare costs. Management of adherence to inhalers remains a challenging topic in the long-term management of patients with asthma. We aim to evaluate the role of asthma control test (ACT) in the management of adherence to inhalers in outpatients with asthma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Six hundred twenty-seven outpatients with asthma admitted to the clinic of respiratory medicine in a tertiary hospital in northwestern China during 2016 to 2019 were randomly divided into observation group (n= 315) and control (n= 312) and received standard inhalant therapy for 6 months and lung function test before and after treatment. The patients in the observation group took ACT questionnaires at the end of each month, while the patients in control only took an ACT at the end of the last month. The 'Test of Adherence to Inhalers' (TAI) questionnaire was used to evaluate the patients' adherence to inhalant therapy.

RESULTS

All patients completed the study. The ACT scores in the observation group showed a gradual increase month by month. The TAI results indicated that adherence to inhalers of patients in the observation group was significantly better than that in control and the patients' non-adherence pattern in the observation group, with significantly lower erratic non-adherence, was also different from that in control. After 6 months of treatment, the lung function indexes and their relative improvement and the ACT scores in the observation group were significantly better or higher than those in control.

CONCLUSION

The once-monthly self-reported ACT can effectively improve the adherence to inhalers of outpatients with asthma mainly by addressing erratic non-adherence and improve the treatment effects, and thus deserves widespread use in the treatment adherence management in patients with asthma.

Medication-related problems encountered in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly: An observational study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pharmacist-encountered medication-related problems (MRPs) among the participants of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

DESIGN

This was a retrospective analysis of proprietary pharmacy records detailing pharmacist encounters with PACE clinical staff.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A national provider of pharmacy services to more than 75 PACE organizations. In total, 1057 PACE participants at 69 PACE sites across the United States with documented pharmacist encounters between March and May 2018.

OUTCOME MEASURES

MRPs were classified using the Hepler-Strand taxonomy, and pharmacists' recommendations made to prescribers to resolve these MRPs were classified using a modified Hoth taxonomy. In addition, pharmacists' communication methods and prescribers' responses were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 2004 MRPs were encountered. The most frequent MRPs identified were related to medication safety concerns, including drug interactions (720, 35.9%), adverse drug reactions (ADRs, 356, 17.8%), high doses (270, 13.5%), and unindicated drugs (252, 12.6%). Drug interactions frequently involved competitive inhibition, 3 or more drugs, opioids, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and antidepressants. Deprescribe medication (561, 24.8%), start alternative therapy (553, 24.4%), change doses (457, 20.2%), and monitor (243, 10.7%) were the top 4 types of recommendations made by pharmacists. Among 1730 responses obtained from PACE prescribers, 78.1% (n = 1351) of pharmacists' recommendations were accepted. Compared with electronic communication, telephonic communication was associated with more acceptance and less prescriber nonresponse (χ² = 78.5, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Pharmacists identified a substantial number of MRPs in PACE, especially those related to medication safety such as drug interactions and ADRs. In this practice setting, significant collaboration occured between pharmacists and PACE prescribers, as evidenced by the rate of prescribers' acceptance of pharmacists' recommendations. Further research is needed to fully evaluate the economic, clinical, and humanistic outcomes associated with pharmacists' encounters in PACE.

Inhaler training and asthma knowledge are associated with a higher proportion of patients with correct inhaler technique in young but not in elderly asthmatic patients

Objective: Incorrect inhaler usage is frequent, particularly in elderly asthmatic patients. This study aimed at comparing inhaler technique errors and their determinants, as well inhaler technique self-perception versus real performance, between elderly and non-elderly asthmatics. Methods: Cross-sectional assessment of 92 elderly and 100 non-elderly asthmatics followed at specialty clinics. A standardized questionnaire was applied and inhaler technique demonstration was requested. Errors were assessed using checklists based on manufacturers' instructions and inhaler technique was graded as correct, acceptable or incorrect. Chi-Square Test and Fischer's Exact Test were used for comparative analysis of nominal variables. A p value equal to or less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Inhaler technique was correct in a minority of elderly and young patients, without significant differences between study groups. Only 11.1% of the elderly who classified their inhaler as easy and 12.7% who stated their technique was correct had no errors. Previous regular inhaler training was associated with better actual performance in young but not in elderly patients. Conclusion: Our study showed that in spite of regular follow up at specialized outpatient clinics, inhaler devices are associated with a high frequency of errors in elderly and non-elderly asthmatics. In addition, most patients tend to overestimate their technique as correct. Finally, previous, frequent training was associated with a significantly higher percentage of patients showing correct or acceptable technique but only in non-elderly asthmatics, which suggests that elderly asthmatics may need specifically tailored inhaler education programs.

Play and Learn with Patients-Designing and Evaluating a Serious Game to Enhance Nurses' Inhaler Teaching Techniques: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To describe the development and evaluation of a nurse-patient interactive serious game in improving nurses' self-efficacy and performances in teaching the correct inhaler technique. Materials and Methods: The technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge (TPACK) framework was applied to guide the development of the serious game. The learning effectiveness of the serious game was evaluated through a randomized controlled trial that involved 46 registered nurses. Participants in the experimental group were asked to teach the inhaler technique to a standardized patient using the serious game as a teaching tool, whereas participants in the control group were asked to provide their own usual teaching to a standardized patient without the serious game. The performances of both groups were assessed based on their feedback to a standardized patient who made several errors while demonstrating the inhaler technique. Self-efficacy levels of teaching the inhaler technique were examined before and after the intervention. Results: A significantly higher number of participants from the experimental group obtained perfect performance scores than those in the control group (65.21% vs. 21.74%, χ^{2 =} 15.18, P < 0.01). The posttest self-efficacy mean scores for the experimental group improved significantly (P < 0.001) after the intervention, and significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to the posttest mean scores of the control group. Conclusion: The study provided evidence on the effectiveness of a serious game in improving the self-efficacy and immediate postintervention performances of nurses teaching the inhaler technique. This game provides a practical and accessible learning tool to help nurses ensure effective patient education.

Challenges and innovations of delivering medicines to older adults

Older adults with multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and complex health needs are the major consumer of health care. Ensuring that medicines are used safely, effectively, and delivered efficiently in this population is challenging. In this context, the approach to medicines delivery should seek to overcome some of the difficulties of delivering medicines to older people, and ensure each medication is delivered by the optimal and most convenient route for the patient in question. However, this poses significant obstacles, as the development of medicines suitable for use in older populations does not often account for complex health needs, potential challenges in relation to drug disposition, safety of excipients and limitations with practical usability of dosage forms. The objective of this review is to summarise and discuss current challenges and novel approaches to delivering medications to older adults.

Spatial analysis of disparities in asthma treatment among adult asthmatics

BACKGROUND

Spatial analytic techniques can uncover important differences in asthma treatment and identify geographic areas with poor asthma management.

OBJECTIVE

To review geographical differences in asthma treatment in an adult asthmatic population.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional chart review study (n = 519) using Geographic Information System approaches to determine the impact of spatial access to pharmacies and other factors on inappropriate rescue and inadequate controller medication use. Statistical analyses included chi-square test for categorical variables and Kruskall-Wallis test for continuous variables. Logistic regression was used to determine unadjusted and adjusted odds of inappropriate and inadequate pharmaceutical management of asthma based upon distance to pharmacy and other factors. Choropleth maps were constructed to display zip code level variation of asthma management.

RESULTS

Inappropriate medication users lived further from their preferred pharmacy compared to appropriate users (median distances of 3.02 and 1.96 miles respectively; p = 0.01). Inappropriate and inadequate management of asthma varied by zip code, ranging from 5.5 to 17.3% and 25.0-59.6%, respectively. A statistically significant difference in appropriate use by age was found, with nearly 17% of adults age 65 and older overusing their rescue inhaler. Conversely, patients age 18-34 years, 35-49 years, and 50-64 years, used their controller medications inadequately (64.2%, 57.3%, and 48.2%, respectively) compared to 42.5% of patients aged 65 and older. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses showed that former smokers had higher odds of inadequate management of asthma.

CONCLUSION

The unadjusted findings suggest that distance to pharmacies may play a role in the pharmaceutical management of asthma, though these findings are explained by confounding factors. Future research should continue to explore the effect of spatial access to pharmacies on chronic disease management and the role that maps can play in guiding medication management interventions in a larger sample to allow for more rigorous analysis.

Matching Inhaler Devices with Patients: The Role of the Primary Care Physician

Poor inhaler technique and nonadherence impair the efficacy of medications for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A range of factors, including age, dexterity, inspiratory capacity, cognitive ability, health literacy, and ethnicity, can impact a patient's ability and intention to use their device. Treatment success can also be influenced by patient preferences and perceptions. Therefore, it is important that healthcare professionals effectively match inhaler devices to individual patients' needs and abilities and empower patients by including them in treatment decisions. Physicians must, therefore, fully understand the characteristics of each device, as well as their patients' demographic characteristics and comorbidities. Following device selection, patient training and education, including a physical demonstration of the device, are key to eliminate any critical errors that may impact on health outcomes. Inhaler technique should be frequently rechecked. This review will examine the important role of primary care providers in the selection of appropriate inhaler devices and provision of training for patients with COPD and asthma to optimize correct inhaler use and adherence. An overview of the key features of available devices and of the factors to consider when selecting devices will be provided in the context of current asthma and COPD guidelines.

Assessment of inhalation flow patterns of soft mist inhaler co-prescribed with dry powder inhaler using inspiratory flow meter for multi inhalation devices

The patients’ inhalation flow pattern is one of the significant determinants for clinical performance of inhalation therapy. However, the development of inhalation flow meters for various inhalation devices has been unable to keep up with the increasing number of newly launched inhalation devices. In the present study, we developed simple attachment orifices for the inhalation flow pattern monitoring system, which are suitable for all commercial inhalers, and investigated the efficacy of the system on the clinical inhalation instruction for patients co-prescribed dry powder inhaler (DPI) and soft mist inhaler (SMI). First, we constructed simple attachment orifices that were adjusted for 13 commercial inhalers, and examined the correlation between orifice and inhalation device. Second, the inhalation flow patterns (peak inspiratory flow rate, PIFR; inhalation duration time, DT) of patients prescribed a combination of DPI and SMI were monitored before and after inhalation instruction. The inhalation resistance of commercial inhalers are listed in the following order; Twincaps^® > Handihaler^® > Swinghaler^® = Clickhaler^® > Twisthaler^® > Turbuhaler^® > Jenuair^® > Diskus^® = Ellipta^® > Diskhaler^® > Breezhaler^® > Respimat^® = pMDI. The pressure drop via orifice was significantly correlated with that via the commercial inhaler. For the confirmation, all participants achieved the DPI criterion of PIFR. On the other hand, 4 participants (6 clinical visits) of 10 experimented participants could not achieve the essential criterion of DT (> 1.5 sec) for SMI, but all participants improved their duration time after inhalation instruction by pharmacists (P<0.05). In the present study, we successfully developed simple attachment orifice suitable for 13 commercial inhalation devices. These data suggested that our simple attachment orifices for the inhalation flow pattern monitoring system can detect patients with inadequate inhalation patterns via SMI.

An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report: Evaluation and Management of Asthma in the Elderly

Asthma in the elderly (>65 yr old) is common and associated with higher morbidity and mortality than asthma in younger patients. The poor outcomes in this group are due, in part, to underdiagnosis and undertreatment. There are a variety of factors related to aging itself that affect the presentation of asthma in the elderly and influence diagnosis and management. Structural changes in the aging lung superimposed on structural changes due to asthma itself can worsen the disease and physiologic function. Changes in the aging immune system influence the cellular composition and function in asthmatic airways. These processes and differences from younger individuals with asthma are not well understood. Phenotypes of asthma in the elderly have not been clearly delineated, but it is likely that age of onset and overlap with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease impact disease characteristics. Physiologic tests and biomarkers used to diagnose and follow asthma in the elderly are generally similar to testing in younger individuals; however, whether they should be modified in aging has not been established. Confounding influences, such as comorbidities (increasing the risk of polypharmacy), impaired cognition and motor skills, psychosocial effects of aging, and age-related adverse effects of medications, impact both diagnosis and treatment of asthma in the elderly. Future efforts to understand asthma in the elderly must include geriatric-specific methodology to diagnose, characterize, monitor, and treat their disease.

Identification of inhaler technique errors with a routine procedure in Portuguese community pharmacy

Background:

A correct selection of drugs prescribed, but also the choice of the appropriate inhaler device, is crucial for the control of respiratory diseases.

Objective:

To evaluate the inhaler technique and identify potential errors of patients when treated with inhalers by testing a routinary procedure to be implemented in any community pharmacy.

Methods:

Adults with asthma/COPD and under inhalation therapy were invited to demonstrate how they use their inhalers. After direct observation it was registered whether all the sequential steps included in the summary of product characteristics (SmPC) were performed.

Results:

The study involved 67 patients from 4 community pharmacies (Portugal central region): 34 (50.7%) males, 65.4 (SD=18.28) years old, 42 (62.7%) with COPD, and 23 (34.3%) using more than one inhaler. The 67 patients used 95 inhalers, comprising: 57 (60.0%) multiple dose DPI (dry powder inhalers), 18 (18.9%) single dose DPI, 16 (16.8%) pMDI (pressurized metered dose inhalers), 2 (2.1%) pMDI+spacer and 2 (2.1%) SMI (soft mist inhalers). No errors were made only by 9 (13.4%) patients. In the 75 DPIs techniques, the most frequent errors were ‘no previous forced expiration’ (46=61.3%) and ‘no 10s apnea after inhalation’ (51=68.0%); in the 16 pMDIs techniques common errors were ‘lack of hand-lung coordination’ (7=43.8 %), ‘no previous forced exhalation’ (8=50.0%) and ‘no apnea after inhalation’ (10=62.5%). After inhaling from 56 devices containing corticosteroids, 34 (60.7%) of the patients did not wash their mouth.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated the possibility of performing this procedure routinely in Portuguese community pharmacies and also its utility, since 58 (87%) of patients had at least one error during the inhalers use.

Asthma in the Elderly

The older population has seen the greatest increase in the prevalence of current asthma in recent years. Asthma may begin at any age and when it occurs at an advanced as opposed to a young age, it is often nonatopic, severe, and unremitting. Unfortunately, geriatric-specific guidelines are not available for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma. However, with objective monitoring, avoidance of asthma triggers, appropriate pharmacotherapy, and patient education, the disease can be managed successfully.