Evaluation of real-life data on the use of inhaler devices, including satisfaction and adherence to treatment, by community pharmacists in partnership with pulmonary disease specialists

Abstract

Objective The use of inhaler device (UID) and the satisfaction and adherence of patients to treatment were evaluated by Istanbul city community pharmacists to obtain real-life data from patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Pharmacists educated by pulmonary disease specialists asked patients who combined medications with inhaler devices to fill out a questionnaire prepared by the specialists. Each patient’s UID was checked, and their errors were corrected by showing them the already prepared standard video of their inhaler device. Afterward, the UID was repeated and rechecked. The visual analog scale (VAS), feeling of satisfaction with the inhaler (FSI-10) questionnaire, and the Morisky Green Levine (MGL) scale were used for symptom control, satisfaction, and adherence, respectively. Then, we compared the results of three different types of inhalers: metered dose inhalers (MDI), dry powder inhalers (DPI), and dry powder inhalation capsules (DPI Caps). Results Twenty-seven (19.3%) patients used MDI, 42 (30%) used DPI caps, and 71 (50.7%) used DPI. UID before training was better in patients with DPI than in those with MDI and DPI Cap (p < 0.001). After training, the UID increased in all three groups (p < 0.001). The VAS scores were low in the DPI Caps group than the other groups (p < 0.001). The FSI-10 score was not significantly different among the groups (p > 0.05). Non-adherence was observed in 36.8% of the MDI group, 39.1% of the DPI Caps group, and 21.7% of the DPI groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion The partnership between community pharmacists and pulmonary disease specialists improved patients’ UID.