2 research outputs found
Assessment of the inhalation technique and adherence to therapy and their effect on disease control in outpatients with asthma
Objectives The objective of this study was to assess correct use of inhaler devices,
adherence to inhaler corticosteroid treatment and their effects on asthma control.
Methods This study was a prospective, single-centre, observational study conducted
between July and February 2016 at Al-Makased Hospital, respiratory outpatient clinic.
Inhaler technique of asthma patients using pressurized metered-dose inhalers or dry powder
inhalers (Turbuhaler (TH) and Accuhaler DiskusTM (ACC)) were assessed against
published inhaler technique checklists. Asthma control variables measured using Asthma
Control Test (maximum 25, higher score corresponding to better asthma control) were
assessed, and adherence to asthma medications was assessed by Morisky adherence scale.
Key findings Two hundred and twenty patients were recruited in the study. The mean
age was 42.3 15.2 years and 59.1% were male. One hundred and seventeen (53.2%)
were using TH, 60 (27.3%) were using ACC and 43(19.5%) were using MDIs. Only 22
(10%) were smoker and only 48 (21.8%) patients were their asthma controlled (ACT
score >20). The devices were used correctly by 79.1% of patients using MDI, 69% of
ACC and 55.6% of TH users (P > 0.001). The most common improper step was ‘forceful
inhalation’ (65.4%) made by the MDI users, ‘Not exhaling to residual volume’ (58.7%)
made by ACC users and ‘Not inhaling deeply enough’ (52.2%) made by TH users. Multivariate
analysis showed that the likelihood of having controlled asthma was significantly
higher in those with correct inhaler techniques (OR 2.3; 95% CI: 1.08–4.77; P = 0.028),
high adherence to medications (OR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.05–4.92; P = 0.03) and having a
higher level of education (OR 2.58; 95% CI: 1.19–3.63; P = 0.018).
Conclusions It was found that asthma control was better among correct users. Repetitive
training about using devices may contribute improving inhaler technique.This research received no specific grant from any funding
agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors
Pharmaceutical care for adult asthma patients: A controlled intervention one‐year follow‐up study
Asthma is a clinical problem with social, psychological and economic burdens. To
improve patient disease management, different education programmes have been
developed. Challenges in asthma management may be partially attributed to nonadherence
or improper use of inhalers. This study aimed to implement and assess
hospital‐based pharmaceutical care services for asthmatic patients. A 12‐month, single‐
centre, randomized, controlled study was initiated in asthmatic adult patients who
had been divided into either a control or intervention group. Patients in the control
group received the usual care, and patients in the intervention group received patient
counselling per study protocol that covered asthma knowledge, control, adherence to
treatment and inhalation techniques. The main variables compared measurements at
baseline with those at 6 and 12 months. A total of 192 patients completed the study
protocol: 90 in the control group and 102 in the intervention group. The control
group included 90 patients, and the intervention group included 102 patients. Over
the course of the 12‐month follow‐up period, a significant difference was observed
between intervention and control groups with respect to asthma control (38.2%
vs 10.0%; P < .001), mean correct inhalation technique (confidence interval [CI]:
8.1, 7.8‐8.5 vs CI: 6.1; 5.6‐6.6; P = .01) and good medication adherence (60.7% vs
50.0%, P = .02). There were 34% and 25% decreases in emergency room visits and
hospital admissions, respectively, in the intervention group compared to the control
group. This study emphasizes the importance of patient counselling in asthma management
and the significant contribution that the pharmacist's intervention can have
on asthma control