A study to assess inhaler technique and its potential impact on asthma control in patients attending an asthma clinic.
J Asthma 2014;
51:440-5. [PMID:
24393080 DOI:
10.3109/02770903.2013.876650]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
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.
METHODS
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.
RESULTS
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 (p = 0.003). ACQ scores improved significantly from median [interquartile range] 2.70 [1.66] to 2.00 [1.90] (p = 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].
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates the importance of educating and formally assessing inhaler technique in patients with asthma as a part of their ongoing clinical review.
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