Prescribing inhaled therapy in asthma: health professionals' habits and beliefs

Abstract

National and international asthma guidelines provide the evidence base for prescribing growing array of different inhaled therapies. However, the advice given is generic. The influence of nurses in prescribing inhaled therapy continues to grow, yet there is little published to help understand how and why nurses prescribe or advise on the prescribing of inhaled therapy in asthma. The aim of the study was to gain a better understanding of how health professionals make prescribing decisions in inhaled therapy, which was done by taking a survey. The survey gathered data of the habits and beliefs on prescribing inhaled corticosteroid/inhaled long-acting B2 agonist therapy in asthma, from 100 primary healthcare professionals. As a result of the study, patient preference, dose counter and maintenance and reliever therapy were reported to be considered the most important elements by health professionals. The device was considered more important than the drug, and there is an ongoing need for further education of health professionals in this area. Comparing responses from this study with similar responses from people with asthma may bring together the thinking of patients and professionals.