Inhaler technique: Does counselling by pharmacists have a benefit?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Inhaler technique: Does counselling by pharmacists have a benefit for patients with COPD exacerbation in the hospital setting?
IRAS ID
142177
Contact name
Kristina Medlinskiene
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull and east Yorkshire NHS Hospitals
Research summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accounts for about 25,000 deaths per year in England and Wales. It is the second most common cause of admissions to hospital and the one of most costly inpatient conditions to be treated by the NHS. The pharmacological COPD management includes use of different inhalers. It has been shown that up to 50% of patients in Europe are unable to use their inhalers correctly. Incorrect usage of inhalers negatively affects COPD management as it may result in limited drug delivery and thus diminished therapeutic effect. It is recognised that improved inhaler technique can have a substantial effect in improving symptoms and outcomes and reducing costs. It has been shown that counselling by pharmacist can improve inhaler technique in the community setting.
The main objective of the study is to determine if inhaler technique counselling provided by pharmacists to patients with COPD exacerbation in the hospital setting improves their inhaler technique.
Patients with COPD exacerbation using inhalers (pMDI, turbohaler) will be randomly selected for the study during visits to wards. Patients will be asked to show their inhaler technique by using placebo inhalers and their technique will be assessed. An inspiration flow used for inhalers will be assessed with peak flow meter. If inhaler technique demonstrated by a patient is not correct, the patient will be counselled how to use correctly inhaler(s) with verbal and physical instructions. Patients with improper inhaler technique will be asked to demonstrate their inhaler technique the following day. The effect of inhaler technique consultation to patients with incorrect technique will be analysed.
Additional information such as age, gender, duration of inhaler use, and date of inhaler technique counselling received will be collected.REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1727
Date of REC Opinion
13 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion