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Drugs in R&D
Published in: Drugs in R&D 3/2013

Open Access 01-09-2013 | Original Research Article

Inhaler Competence and Patient Satisfaction with Easyhaler®: Results of Two Real-Life Multicentre Studies in Asthma and COPD

Authors: Gabriella Gálffy, Györgyi Mezei, Gyula Németh, Lilla Tamási, Veronika Müller, Olof Selroos, Marta Orosz

Published in: Drugs in R&D | Issue 3/2013

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Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate patients’ inhaler competence and satisfaction with the Easyhaler® dry powder inhaler.

Design

Two open, uncontrolled, non-randomised studies.

Setting

Real life based on patients attending 56 respiratory clinics in Hungary.

Participants

Patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n = 1016).

Intervention

In a 3-month study, adult patients (age range 18–88 years; n = 797) received twice-daily inhalations of formoterol via Easyhaler®, and in a consequential study (from one visit to another, with 3–12 months in-between) children and adolescents (age range 4–17 years; n = 219) received salbutamol via Easyhaler® as needed.

Main Outcome Measures

Control of six Easyhaler® handling steps and patients’ satisfaction with Easyhaler® based on questionnaires.

Results

Correct performances (minimum and maximum of the six steps) were noticed after one demonstration in 92–98 % of the adults, 87–99 % of the elderly, 81–96 % of the children and 83–99 % of the adolescents. These figures had markedly increased at the last visit. Repeat instructions were necessary in 26 % of the cases. Investigators found Easyhaler® easy to teach in 87 % of the patients and difficult in only 0.5 %. Patients found Easyhaler® easy to learn and use, and the patients’ (and parents’) satisfaction with the inhaler was very high. Lung function values [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF)] improved statistically significantly during the studies, indicating good inhaler competence and treatment adherence.

Conclusion

Investigators found Easyhaler® easy to teach and patients found it easy to use, and their satisfaction with the device was high.
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Metadata
Title
Inhaler Competence and Patient Satisfaction with Easyhaler®: Results of Two Real-Life Multicentre Studies in Asthma and COPD
Authors
Gabriella Gálffy
Györgyi Mezei
Gyula Németh
Lilla Tamási
Veronika Müller
Olof Selroos
Marta Orosz
Publication date
01-09-2013
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Drugs in R&D / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 1174-5886
Electronic ISSN: 1179-6901
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40268-013-0027-3

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