Optimization of patient-specific inhaler regimens with the use of the aerosol inhalation monitor

Abstract

ObjectivesTo describe the addition of a Vitalograph Aerosol Inhalation Monitor (AIM) assessment to a pharmacy bundle to optimize inhaler devices in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). SettingHospital-based outpatient pulmonary clinic. Practice descriptionAmbulatory pharmacy service for underserved pulmonary patients in Detroit, MI. Practice innovationPatients with asthma and COPD received a pharmacy bundle service that included inhaler technique assessment with the use of the AIM. Based on the patient’s performance, an optimized pulmonary regimen was developed for the patient in collaboration with the pulmonologists. Follow-up telephone calls were made 1 and 4 weeks after the visit. EvaluationA 1-group pretest-posttest quasiexperimental study was conducted over a 6-month period. The primary objective of the study was to describe the impact that a pharmacist had on optimizing individuals’ inhaled regimens. In addition, clinical outcomes including changes in asthma control test (ACT) and COPD assessment test (CAT) scores, rescue inhaler use, and patient adherence were assessed. ResultsA total of 44 patients were included in the study, of which 27 (61%) were determined to be on an inappropriate inhaler regimen according to their AIM assessment. The pharmacist subsequently made recommendations to change the device(s) for those patients, with the most common recommendation being a change to a nebulized regimen. There was a significant improvement in ACT/CAT scores, patient-reported inhaler use, and patient adherence at week 4 compared with baseline. ConclusionAssessing inhaler technique with the use of the AIM allows pharmacists to identify an optimized inhaled regimen for patients with asthma and COPD and may be a potential solution to the problem of poor inhaler technique.