Inhaler Technique in Asthma: How Does It Relate to Patients' Preferences and Attitudes Toward Their Inhalers?

Abstract

Background:

Correct inhaler technique can increase medication efficacy, reducing both dose and side effects. Patient preference for inhaler device has not been fully explored, and we hypothesized that if patients have a preference and can choose their inhaler, they might be more likely to use it correctly. Our aim was to determine the preferences, attitudes, and perceptions of patients with asthma toward their inhalers, and to evaluate whether any of these factors were related to inhalation technique.

Methods:

Twenty-five patients with asthma (mean age 43.1 years) participated. Qualitative semi-structured interviews and quantitative patient satisfaction and preference questionnaires (PASAPQ) were used to explore patients' preferences, attitudes, and perceptions about their inhalers. Objective inhalation technique assessment was performed. Data were triangulated to identify characteristics that could indicate a relationship between inhaler technique, satisfaction, preference, and decision making.

Results:

Themes from qualitative interviews were as follows: asthma inhalers and expectations; inhaler preference; characteristics of an ideal inhaler; perceived effectiveness of inhalers; and inhalers and patient decision making. PASAPQ scores indicated that all patients were at least “somewhat satisfied” with their inhalers, regardless of technique. Only 12% of inhalers were used correctly, despite pilot PASAPQ data suggesting that most patients were confident with their technique. The inhaler technique was unlikely to be related to satisfaction, perception of inhaler devices, or choice in device selection. Patients with correct inhaler technique were more aware of their asthma and expressed motivation to achieve optimal asthma control.

Conclusions:

The majority of the asthmatic patients did not use their inhaler(s) correctly, despite most having confidence in their technique. Patients attributed confidence in their inhaler technique to their belief that their inhaler was effective. Most patients had not been involved in decision making about which inhalation device to use. These findings highlight the lack of understanding of the important role of correct inhaler technique in asthma management.

Introduction

Inhaled therapy is the cornerstone of asthma treatment, and direct delivery of medication to the lung allows for optimal efficacy and safety. However, up to 94% of patients with asthma and COPD do not use their inhalers correctly,^(1–5) and they require multiple education sessions to maintain their technique.^(6,7) Pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) are the most commonly prescribed devices,⁽⁸⁾ but their correct use requires simultaneous device activation and inspiration, a challenge for many patients.⁽⁹⁾ In addition to coordination problems, elderly patients⁽¹⁰⁾ and patients with osteoarthritis⁽¹¹⁾ or weak hands may not have the grip strength or dexterity needed to fire the inhaler. Although dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are breath activated and do not require the same coordination as pMDIs, more than 90% of patients fail to demonstrate the correct DPI inhalation technique.⁽¹²⁾ Actuating the DPI device is problematic for children, the elderly, and extremely breathless patients, who may not be able to achieve a fast and forceful enough inhalation to activate the device. Breathless patients may also not be able to maintain the 10 second breath-hold that is recommended immediately after inhalation.⁽¹³⁾ Poor inhalation technique may also be due to confusion if patients are using more than one type of inhaler.⁽¹⁴⁾ Considering all of these factors, patients with slow inspiratory flow (i.e., flow limitation) may be well suited to pMDIs if they can coordinate hand and breath maneuvers; whereas patients who can achieve an adequate inspiratory flow but who have problems with coordination may be better suited to DPIs.⁽¹⁵⁾

Aside from patients' issues, other factors contributing to poor inhalation technique include lack of knowledge of correct inhaler technique in healthcare professionals,^(16,17) and patient inhaler preference. There is a significant lack of understanding by primary healthcare professionals of the proper use of pMDIs.⁽¹⁸⁾ Pharmacists, who are the “last port of call” before patients attempt to self-administer medication, may also have a poor theoretical and practical knowledge of inhaler devices.⁽¹⁹⁾ Lenney et al.⁽²⁰⁾ reported that when patients with airflow obstruction were offered a choice in inhaler type, the top four most preferred devices also achieved the best score for correct inhaler technique. Consequently, to maximize correct inhaler use, education of healthcare providers and a shared decision-making model, where the physician's prescription decision is based on patient preference, would be ideal strategies.

Our key research question is whether positive attitudes toward inhalers and use of “preferred” devices enhance inhaler technique. We believe this association is plausible given that previous research⁽²¹⁾ has demonstrated that patient perception of whether it is important to use an inhaler predicts both correct pMDI use and the motivation to keep practicing the correct inhaler technique. Motivation to use an inhaler correctly is also a significant predictor of the correct inhaler technique and results in fewer relapses to incorrect practices.⁽²¹⁾ However, few studies ^(22–24) have specifically addressed the relationship between attitudes, perceptions, and inhalation technique, and filling this gap in knowledge could help broaden our understanding of what motivates and enables patients to user their inhaler devices correctly.

The aims of our study were to explore the attitudes, perceptions, and preferences of adults with asthma regarding inhaler devices, and their level of decision making in choosing their device(s). Second, we wanted to investigate whether these attitudes, perceptions, and preferences for inhaler devices were associated with inhaler technique. We hypothesized that if asthmatic patients have a formalized preference for their inhaler and have been involved in choosing it, they would be more likely to use it correctly. Moreover, if patients had positive attitudes and perceptions toward their inhaler device, and recognized the benefit of preventer medication, this would lead to greater device acceptance and, therefore, a better inhalation technique.

Materials and Methods

A mixed-model approach was used, and qualitative methods, namely semi-structured interviews, were employed to gain an insight into patient attitudes and preferences regarding their inhaler and level of autonomy in selecting devices. At these interviews, patients were asked to complete a quantitative questionnaire, and their inhaler technique was observed and scored against a validated checklist for their device(s). Data were triangulated from these mixed-model approaches.

Patient recruitment and sample size

A sample of pharmacies in Sydney were invited to participate in the study. Advertisements in participating pharmacies invited patients to approach the pharmacist about the study, and patients who presented a prescription for asthma medication were invited to participate in the study. Potential patients were referred to the researcher (LI), who then explained the study and organized a time for the study visit. This study was approved by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (Protocol #13501), and all patients completed written informed consent.

Inclusion criteria for patients were physician-diagnosed asthma, aged ≥18 years, and currently using at least one inhaler device for their asthma. Exclusion criteria were inability to speak English, to self-complete the questionnaire, or to self-administer their inhaler.

After enrolment, a face-to-face interview was conducted with the patient in the pharmacy by the study researcher. Patients completed the patient satisfaction and preference questionnaire (PASAPQ), and they were asked to demonstrate to the researcher how they would usually use their inhaler(s).

Sample size for the qualitative data (semi-structured interview) was based on the sample required to reach saturation of data from the semi-structured interview. Data saturation occurs when no new thematic concepts emerge from the next patients being interviewed (i.e., new interviewees do not give any responses that have not already been given by previous interviewees).

Semi-structured interview

A semi-structured interview guide was developed based on published literature,^(25–27) to explore the patients' preferences, attitudes, and perceptions of their inhalers specifically, and toward their asthma in general. The interviewee's own vocabularies were used when framing supplementary questions to uncover new areas without imposing any assumptions.⁽²⁸⁾ After completion of initial interview questions, some questions were refined to ensure all targeted domains were covered. A summary of the key topics addressed and the questions included are shown in Supplementary Appendix S1 (Supplementary Data are available online at www.liebertpub.com/jamp) of the online repository.

PASAPQ

The PASAPQ is self-administrated, and it measures patient perception and preference for inhaler devices.⁽²⁹⁾ It is validated for five domains; however, only three domains were relevant for this study. The 14 items of the PASAPQ that related to each domain were as follows: satisfaction with performance (7 items), satisfaction with convenience (6 items), and overall satisfaction (1 item). For each item within the three domains, a seven-point Likert scale was used.^(29,30)

Assessment of inhaler technique

Validated checklists were used to objectively assess inhaler technique (Supplementary Appendix Tables S1–S5, online repository) and were developed from manufacturer instructions through an Australian Research Council grant LP 0882737. For Accuhalers, there were 10 key steps that had to be accurately performed for correct inhalation technique, 11 for Turbuhalers, 9 for pMDIs without spacer, 8 for pMDIs with spacer (single-breath technique), 7 for pMDIs with spacer (multiple-breath technique), and 9 for Autohalers. Patients were asked to demonstrate how they would usually use their inhaler(s), and they were assessed as having the “correct” technique only if they were able to perform all listed steps correctly on their first and only attempt. The total number of correct steps performed was modified to a score out of 10, with a score of 10 representing all steps performed correctly (i.e., a score of 10 equals 100% of steps performed correctly). This normalized score was necessary to account for the difference in the number of steps assessed between the different types of inhaler devices.

Data analysis

Semi-structured interview

Analysis of the semi-structured interviews was carried out by two researchers independently, and agreement of results was achieved before finalization of themes and concepts. A deductive approach was used, based on the framework of asthma management and the role of medications (GINA⁽³¹⁾ or the Asthma Management Handbook⁽³²⁾) as well as empirical data articulated in the PASAPQ. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, and content analysis was performed to identify emerging concepts and themes. Open coding was used to break data into events, actions, interactions, and emotions that could be matched up for similarities and differences. These data were assigned conceptual labels and grouped together into categories and sub-categories.⁽³³⁾ The core concept was then captured from within these sub-categories and organized into themes.

PASAPQ

Each patient received a score for the domains of satisfaction with performance, satisfaction with convenience, and overall satisfaction, totaled from the seven-point Likert scale.

Assessment of inhalation technique

For each inhaler, patients were assessed as having either a correct (performed all steps correctly) or an incorrect (did not perform all steps correctly) technique. Patients also received an inhalation technique score, which reflected the number of steps performed correctly.

Triangulation of data

Data related to inhaler technique, satisfaction (PASAPQ) and qualitative data were triangulated. This was achieved by mapping data from the PASAPQ satisfaction domains, across the theme of the semi-structured interview within the framework of correct or incorrect inhaler technique. Triangulation was used as a method of validating the phenomenon being studied across the three data sources collected through three different research methods.

Results

Data saturation of thematic concepts from the semi-structured interviews occurred within 20 interviews; however, data collection continued up to 25 interviews. Therefore, 25 patients completed the study, and their demographics are shown in Table 1. The four types of asthma inhalers used by these patients were pMDI (92% of patients), Turbuhaler (32%), Accuhaler (20%), and Autohaler (4%).

Table 1.

Demographics of Asthmatic Patients

	n = 25
Age (years), mean (±SD)	43.08 ± 15.5
Range (years)	21–79
Female/Male (n)	19/6
Highest level of education, n (%)
Secondary school	7 (28)
Diploma or TAFE degree	8 (32)
University undergraduate degree	4 (16)
Postgraduate degree	6 (24)
Duration of asthma (years), mean (±SD)	24.12 ± 10.4
Range (years)	2–40 years
Preventer medication prescribed^a
Seretide (n)	13
Symbicort (n)	5
Pulmicort (n)	2
Flixotide (n)	2

Four patients were not prescribed any inhaled corticosteroids, and one patient was taking Seretide and Flixotide.

SD, standard deviation.

Semi-structured interview

Five core themes emerged from the semi-structured interviews and are summarized next. Examples of quotations from patients that are relevant to each theme are shown in Table 2.

Table 2.

Attitudes of Patients Toward their Inhalers: Quotations from the Semi-Structured Interviews

Core themes from semi-structured interviews	Patient ID and device type	Quotations
Asthma inhalers and expectations	P13, uses pMDI	“I am getting results and for me the result is this, my asthma declines, my breathing is easier and also if I have some sort of congestion, it releases the congestion and actually clears my lungs… because it works, my technique must be good.”
	P7, uses pMDI	“My greatest concern is that I have to use it for the rest of my life.”
	P22, uses pMDI and Turbuhaler^®	“I would not be without it; I am very dependent on it. I would not go anywhere. If I go anywhere and I do not have it, I will be a bit nervous.”
	P23, uses an Accuhaler^®, Turbuhaler, and pMDI	“I have been trying different things and then I end up using this one. Before, I had xxxx (a type of Turbuhaler). It was not good either. They all have something… I get anxiety reactions.”
	P25, uses Turbuhaler	“I have used it all my life so am very comfortable with it. I know how to use it.”
	P24, uses pMDI	“You can feel the benefit of it which is important. So I really don't want to change it, you know. If I am getting comfort and relief from that, I think that is the main thing.”
Inhaler preference	P20, uses Turbuhaler	“Sometimes tough if you are suffering from asthma, you can't take a deep breath to inhale really deeply. With a good inhaler you have got to take a normal breath and it just goes in.”
	P17, uses pMDI	“I quite like the way that some of them now have the little numbers on it, so I know when it runs out instead of keep trying, when you realise that there is actually nothing left into it.”
	P3, uses Accuhaler and pMDI	“I don't like xxxx (a type of pMDI) not being able to completely tell them when it runs out.…dose counter would be better.”
	P25, uses Turbuhaler	“It is easy to carry around. I travel quite a bit for work so it is not a big thing to carry around.”
	P17, uses pMDI	“What I dislike is when I throw them in my bag and something gets caught in them and I go to use it and it goes to my lung…Things can go down inside it or if I lost the cap on the end, lots of funny things end up from my handbag in there then end up down in my lungs.”
	P13, uses an Accuhaler	“What do I like most about it is just the fact that it has got the mouthpiece covered up.…the hygiene fact to it. That would be the positive thing.”
	P22, uses Turbuhaler	“I never know whether I loaded it or not and I can be doing this and I don't know whether I am wasting it and it is expensive, very expensive.”
Characteristics of an ideal inhaler	P13, uses Accuhaler and pMDI	“Easy to use…compliance because you have something you have to take it, particularly the steroid ones… If it is too hard, you do not take it and also just trying to remember to take it, linking that to something you do like brushing your teeth.”
	P24, uses pMDIs	“Gauge on the xxxx (a type of pMDI) would be a big advantage… I wouldn't like to be caught up without having something in the inhaler.”
	P1, uses pMDIs	“It would be lighter and smaller, the portability reasons.”
	P12, uses pMDI	“Keep it clean so nothing would get on top of it.”
	P25, uses Turbuhaler	“If there was a way of monitoring the delivery of medication that wouldn't be a bad feature to have as well, just in terms of making ensuring.… For the people who have to monitor their asthma very carefully, method of monitoring the delivery of the medication would be useful to have as well.”
Perceived effectiveness of inhalers	P13, uses an Accuhaler and pMDI	“I am getting results and for me the result is the asthma declines, my breathing is easier and also if I have got some sort of congestion, it releases the congestion and actually enables me to clear the lungs… because it works my technique must be good.”
	P25, uses Turbuhaler	“Whether I am getting the full dose I am not sure but certainly in terms of its effects, it seems to work well and I do not have an asthma attack for a long time so I have got no reason to doubt that I am not doing it correctly.”
	P20, uses pMDIs	“Confident. I have been using them all my life so it's like blinking.”
	P12, uses pMDI	“It is something I have used probably for about 10 years so yes very confident. My technique is effective.”
	P23, uses an Accuhaler, Turbuhaler, and pMDI	“I use it in the right way. The way the doctor showed me.”
	P20, uses pMDI	“It is pretty much; I mean it's not like a science. Is it? Yeah open your mouth and put your head back and take a couple of puffs and pretty much, if I can do it, anyone can do it.”
	P11, uses Turbuhaler and pMDI	“I usually get the taste. I can taste the medication … Yeah it has a certain taste.”
	P9, uses Accuhaler and pMDI	“I am not sure if I am using them in the right way but yeah it is working.”
	P7, uses pMDIs	“I don't mind using the inhalers. I can manage it pretty well. I prefer using the spacer because I don't think I'll be comfortable just using the inhaler by itself with my technique, so that's why I use it with the spacer.”
Inhalers and patient decision making	P21, uses an Accuhaler and pMDI	“No, I have always got the one doctor says, the doctor says take that I will take that. I don't take away from that because I trust them after years.”
	P18, uses pMDI	“I was just thinking, I would take the advice of my doctor because he has an educated opinion.”
	P25, uses Turbuhaler	“The sort of the device I use is not that important to me, it is the effect it has on me and the management of my condition is more important than how it is administered.”
	P13, uses an Accuhaler and pMDI	“It is not about the method of delivery for me. It's about delivery. It's about what medication does.”
	P8, uses Turbuhaler	“xxxx (a type of pMDI), I just wasn't getting any benefit from it because I couldn't take it, I couldn't breathe at the right time and I found it really uncomfortable to use and they told me xxxx (a type of Turbuhaler) they give to children so I told them Ok I'll try that one and because it is very mild and it's just exercise induced asthma then I don't need anything stronger.”

pMDI, Pressurized metered dose inhaler.

Asthma inhalers and expectations

Patients did not identify inhalers as mechanical delivery devices that were distinct from the medication itself. Rather, inhalers were part of the treatment process, and it was difficult for them to make the connection that effectiveness was related to the device or drug. Effectiveness of medication in relieving asthma symptoms was perceived as an indication of a good inhalation technique.

Patients felt dependent on their inhalers, experiencing discomfort and concern if they did not have their inhalers with them.

Prior experience of side effects and reported ineffectiveness of medication affected patients' overall thoughts about their inhalers. This contrasted with their positive experiences, where long-term device use resulted in satisfaction with the device and perceptions of ease of use.

Patients were dissatisfied that pMDIs lack a counter to track the number of doses given; however, many lacked knowledge and information about the availability of alternate inhalers. For others, the effectiveness of their inhalers in relieving asthma symptoms was adequate to convince them that they did not need to change inhalers.

Inhaler preference

Every patient wanted a device that was easy to use. pMDI users perceived that their devices were easy to use, whereas patients using DPIs reported that loading the dose was the most troublesome step for them, followed by concerns about the difficulty of inhaling a dose during an attack. Also of concern during asthma attacks was the lack of counter on most devices, which could lead to a shortage of medication when most needed.

Patients felt that smaller-sized inhalers are linked to improved adherence due to their portability. Other patients considered inhalers bulky and difficult to fit into a handbag or pocket.

Patients raised concerns about hygiene of pMDIs, since lids can come off easily and dust can build up in the nozzle, which may aggravate asthma during inhalation. Cleaning inhalers regularly was considered inconvenient, and DPIs were considered to be more hygienic than pMDIs.

Patients considered inhalers expensive, particularly preventers.

Characteristics of an ideal inhaler

Some patients had never considered what features they would like in an ideal inhaler, whereas others had clear opinions based on convenience and performance. Ease of use was important, since preventers are used daily, and relievers need to be easy to use during emergencies. The majority of patients believed that a dose counter should be an integral part of an inhaler.

Patients would prefer if their inhalers gave some feedback on their performance after use, to monitor the delivery of the medication to the lung.

Perceived effectiveness of inhalers

Most patients were confident with their inhaler technique, and this confidence was related to their perceived effectiveness of the medication rather than to any objective measure of technique. The fact that many of the patients had been using their inhalers for a long time made them confident that they were using them correctly.

Confidence in the inhaler technique was also attributed to initial technique training, perceived ease of use, and feeling the taste of medication in their mouth. The majority of patients emphasized the significance of proper training with a health professional. Only three patients expressed uncertainty about their inhaler technique, although they found their asthma treatment effective.

Inhalers and patient decision making

Very few patients were informed of the option of being involved in treatment decision making; however, they did not express dissatisfaction about this and conveyed a strong and trusting relationship with their physicians.

Patients did not believe that inhaler device selection played a significant role in asthma treatment or in achieving asthma control, and they thought that treatment decision making was largely influenced by patient history and side effects. Some patients mentioned that poor technique could be a reason for changing the inhaler device.

Inhalation technique

Table 3 summarizes the proportion of patients demonstrating the correct inhaler technique for each device, and the mean inhalation technique scores. Overall, 87.5% of inhalers were used incorrectly.

Table 3.

Inhalation Technique Results by Inhaler Type

Device	Number of patients using this inhaler	Number of patients demonstrating correct technique n (%)	Mean inhaler score (±SD)
pMDI	22	2 (9.1)	7.2 ± 1.9
pMDI + spacer single-breath technique	3	1 (33.3)	7.9 ± 2.6
pMDI + spacer multiple-breath technique	1	0	8.6 ± 0
Turbuhaler	8	0	6.7 ± 1.8
Accuhaler	5	2 (40)	8.3 ± 1.7
Autohaler^®	1	0	6.7 ± 0
Total	40	5 (12.5%)	7.4 ± 1.9

PASAPQ

Mean (±standard deviation) overall PASAPQ scores for satisfaction with performance, satisfaction with convenience, and overall satisfaction were 41.4 ± 6.2, 34.7 ± 4.9, and 6 ± 0.8, respectively. Mean scores for each device are shown in Table 4.

Table 4.

Mean PASAPQ Scores for the Domains of Satisfaction with Performance, Satisfaction with Convenience, and Overall Satisfaction for Each Inhaler Device, and for Patients with Correct and Incorrect Technique

PASAPQ score	pMDI (n = 23)	Turbuhaler (n = 8)	Accuhaler (n = 5)	Autohaler (n = 1)	Correct Technique (n = 4)^a	Incorrect Technique (n = 33)^a
Satisfaction with performance^b	41.8 ± 5.4	40.3 ± 6.4	40.2 ± 9.8	48 ± 0	40.0 ± 7.7	41.6 ± 6.1
Satisfaction with convenience^c	34.4 ± 4.8	36.5 ± 4.1	31.8 ± 5.9	41 ± 0	31.5 ± 4.9	35.1 ± 4.8
Overall satisfaction^d	6.1 ± 0.8	6.12 ± 0.9	5.6 ± 1.1	7 ± 0	6.0 ± 0.8	6.1 ± 0.9

Values are means ± SD.

n is smaller here than in Table 3, because a single PASAPQ score was given to cover the one device if patients used two or more of the same type of device.

Score can range from 7 to 49. Scores ≥35 from Likert scale indicate at least “somewhat satisfied” and ≥42 indicate at least “satisfied.”

Score can range from 6 to 42. Scores ≥30 from Likert scale indicate at least “somewhat satisfied” and ≥36 indicate at least “satisfied.”

Score can range from 1 to 7. Scores ≥5 from Likert scale indicate at least “somewhat satisfied” and ≥6 indicate at least “satisfied.”

PASAPQ, patient satisfaction and preference questionnaires.

Matrix A (Table 5) represents data from patients with correct inhaler technique, related to satisfaction domains from the PASAPQ triangulated with qualitative responses (exploring preference and decision making). Matrix B (Table 6) is for those patients with the incorrect inhaler technique.

Table 5.

Matrix A—Triangulation of Data for Patients with Correct Inhaler Technique Related to Score from PASAPQ and Qualitative Feedback

		PASAPQ score
Patient	Inhalation device	Satisfaction with performance	Satisfaction with convenience	Overall satisfaction	Qualitative feedback
Patient 4	pMDI and pMDI + spacer	41	34	6	Effectiveness of medication leads to satisfaction with inhalers.
					Satisfaction with asthma management and satisfaction with inhalers
					Some level of choice
					Asthma control was important.
Patient 13	pMDIAccuhaler	4030	2926	65	Confidence about technique because of effectiveness of medication
					Asthma control more important than type of inhaler
					No involvement in treatment decision making
Patient 21^a	Accuhaler	49	37	7	Overall dissatisfaction with asthma and medication leads to dissatisfaction with inhalers.
					Concern of taking medication and having asthma
					Confidence about technique because of effectiveness of medication
					Could not distinguish device from medication
					No involvement in treatment decision making

Patient had two different inhaler devices, with correct technique for one and incorrect technique for the other.

Table 6.

Matrix B—Triangulation of Data for Patients with Incorrect inhaler Technique Related to Score from PASAPQ and Qualitative Feedback

		PASAPQ score
Patient	Inhalation device	Satisfaction with performance	Satisfaction with convenience	Overall satisfaction	Qualitative feedback
Patient 1	pMDI	33	28	6	Overall satisfaction with inhalers
					Long-term usage leads to satisfaction.
					Confidence of technique
Patient 2	pMDI	44	32	5	Overall satisfaction with inhalers
					Confidence of technique
Patient 3	pMDI	31	29	6	Effectiveness leads to satisfaction with inhalers.
	Accuhaler	29	25	4	Effectiveness of medication leads to confidence of technique.
					Satisfaction with ease of use
					Confidence of technique
Patient 5	pMDIAccuhaler	3548	4041	77	Effectiveness of medication leads to confidence with technique.
					Difficult operation is reason for dissatisfaction with device.
					Actual medication influences overall opinion of inhalers.
					Confidence of technique with Autohaler
Patient 6	pMDI	45	33	6	Could not distinguish device from medication
	Turbuhaler	45	40	7	Confidence with technique
					Actual medication influences overall opinion of inhalers.
					Satisfaction with convenience of Turbuhaler
					No involvement in treatment decision making
Patient 7	pMDI + spacer	440	428	44	Not confident of technique without spacer
					Overall dissatisfaction with having asthma and necessity of using inhalers
					Dissatisfaction with convenience of device
					Actual medication influences overall opinion of device.
Patient 8	Turbuhaler	47	39	7	Effectiveness of medication leads to satisfaction with inhalers.
					Effectiveness of medication leads to confidence with technique.
					Satisfaction with inhalers because of easy performance
					Some level of involvement in treatment decision making
Patient 9	pMDIAccuhaler	4948	3234	66	Not very confident about technique
					Effectiveness of medication leads to some level of confidence about technique.
					No involvement in treatment decision making
Patient 10	pMDI	41	36	6	Effectiveness of medication leads to satisfaction with inhalers.
	Turbuhaler	28	28	6	Could not distinguish device from medication
					Dissatisfaction with operation of Turbuhaler, not confident with technique
					Confidence in technique with pMDI because of ease of use
Patient 11	pMDI	33	29	5	Long-term use leads to confidence with technique.
	Turbuhaler	40	33	6	Could not distinguish device from medication
					Effectiveness is the most important inhaler feature.
					Effectiveness of medication leads to satisfaction with inhalers.
Patient 12	pMDI	46	39	7	Long-term use leads to confidence with technique.
					Satisfied with operation of inhalers
Patient 14	pMDI	47	38	7	Effectiveness of medication and long-term use lead to satisfaction with inhalers.
					Long-term use leads to confidence with technique.
					Effectiveness of medication leads to confidence with technique.
					Satisfaction with operation leads to confidence with technique.
					Could not distinguish device from medication
Patient 15	pMDI	45	39	6	Long-term use leads to satisfaction.
					Effectiveness of medication leads to confidence about technique.
					Overall satisfaction with inhalers
					Could not distinguish device from medication
Patient 16	pMDI and pMDI + spacer	38	35	6	Confidence about inhalation technique
					Effectiveness of medication leads to satisfaction with inhalers.
					Satisfaction with operation leads to satisfaction with inhalers.
Patient 17	pMDI	42	37	6	Confidence about inhalation technique because of doctor's satisfaction with technique
					Could not distinguish device from medication
Patient 18	pMDI	36	25	5	Overall dissatisfaction of having asthma affects the opinion of inhalers.
					Effectiveness of medication and long-term use leads to confidence about technique.
Patient 19	pMDITurbuhaler	4937	4240	76	Long-term use leads to confidence about technique.
					Could not distinguish device from medication
					Long-term use leads to satisfaction with inhalers.
					Satisfaction with inhalers because of satisfaction with performance
Patient 20	pMDI	49	39	7	Effectiveness of medication and long-term use leads to confidence about technique.
					Could not distinguish device from medication
					Overall satisfaction with inhalers
Patient 21^a	pMDI	45	39	7	Overall dissatisfaction with asthma and medication lead to dissatisfaction with inhalers.
					Confidence about technique because of effectiveness of medication
					Could not distinguish device from medication
Patient 22	pMDI	46	31	7	Long-term use leads to satisfaction with inhalers.
	Turbuhaler	46	36	7	Satisfaction with inhalers because of ease of use
Patient 23	pMDI	41	40	7	Could not distinguish device from medication
	Turbuhaler	36	37	4	Confidence about technique because of effectiveness of medication
	Accuhaler	45	37	6	Satisfaction/dissatisfaction with medication influences opinion of device.
Patient 24	pMDI and pMDI + spacer	46	37	6	Confidence about technique because of effectiveness of medication
Patient 25	Turbuhaler	43	39	6	Effectiveness of medication leads to confidence about technique.
					Effectiveness of medication leads to satisfaction with inhalers.

Patient had two different inhaler devices, with correct technique for one and incorrect technique for the other.

Triangulation of inhaler technique and semi-structured interview responses with the pilot PASAPQ data showed that it was unlikely that there was a relationship between inhaler technique, satisfaction, perception of inhaler devices, and/or the opportunity for patients to have a choice in inhaler device selection. However, it was likely that there was an association between correct inhaler technique and patients who were more aware of their asthma and expressed motivation to achieve optimal control. This trend was seen through the relative qualitative data when separated for the patients with correct versus incorrect inhaler technique. PASAPQ scores and qualitative feedback related to satisfaction appeared consistent.

Discussion

In this study, we have evaluated the preferences, attitudes, and perceptions of patients with asthma toward a variety of inhaler devices, and the novelty of our study is that we have triangulated these data with inhalation technique assessment to determine whether the correct inhalation technique is related to patient preferences and attitudes. We found that the majority of the asthmatic patients in this study did not use their inhalers correctly. There was no relationship between inhaler technique and any of the following factors: patient perception of inhalers, satisfaction with inhalers, or having a choice in inhaler device selection. Rather, we found that patients intrinsically linked inhalation device use, selection, and preference to: medication effectiveness, overall views about asthma management, and belief and trust that their healthcare providers could make decisions about their medications for them. Therefore, factors unrelated to the device itself were influencing patients' opinions of their inhalers.

Most previous studies in this area have focused on quantitative approaches,^(30,34–37) whereas the strength of our study is the triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative data. Despite strong scientific evidence that inhalers as delivery devices are important in the clinical efficacy of medication, patients in this study were unaware of this, perhaps not having the information disseminated from their healthcare providers. Patients did not consider the physical characteristics of their inhalers as important for efficacy, nor did they distinguish the inhalation devices themselves from the specific medications that they delivered. Patient opinions were centered on perceptions of the effectiveness of their treatment in relieving and controlling asthma symptoms, and the side effects experienced when using their inhalers.

Our finding that asthma control and side effects are significant factors in overall satisfaction with medication is consistent with the literature.^(24,38) Concern about side effects is a major factor contributing to poor adherence to asthma medication,^(39,40) highlighting the need for a deeper patient understanding that the correct inhaler technique can actually minimize side effects. Rectification of an incorrect inhaler technique may improve drug delivery, efficacy, and asthma control,⁽⁴¹⁾ allowing for the minimal effective dose of medication to be prescribed. Previous studies have also described a positive relationship between asthma control and satisfaction with medicine,^(42,43) emphasizing the benefit to patients in recognizing that the correct inhalation technique can achieve both asthma control and minimization of side effects, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction with medication.

In this study, patients reported that they were burdened by the chronic nature of their asthma and the requirement for using their inhalers in the long term, believing that having asthma puts them at risk of becoming dependent on their inhaler medications. The longer patients had been using their inhaler, the more confident and satisfied they were with it. However, it has been shown that using an inhaler for a long time actually increases the chance of the incorrect technique, particularly if no follow-up reassessment of inhaler technique is performed.^(6,44) None of the patients in the current study specifically reported ever having received follow-up inhaler device education (only initial instruction), possibly explaining their poor technique, and highlighting the need in both patients and health professionals for a greater recognition of the benefit of follow-up assessment in maintaining correct inhalation technique, which, in turn, could lead to improved asthma management.

If patients in the current study perceived that their inhaler was effective, they were overwhelmingly confident in their ability to use it. This confidence was somewhat misguided, since 88% of the devices used in this study were used incorrectly. This finding is consistent with the literature,^(9,45,46) emphasizing that patient perception of inhalation technique is not a reliable indicator of actual performance. Patients did not consider that with improved inhaler technique, they may achieve greater asthma control, decrease the dose of medication, and reduce potential side effects. In our study, the group with the correct inhaler technique displayed a greater awareness of asthma control and were motivated to optimize it. This is in keeping with a previous study that demonstrated that patients who were the most motivated to practice the correct inhaler technique were more likely to achieve it.⁽²¹⁾

Despite good evidence that shared treatment decision making and effective communication between patients and their medical practitioners benefits patients,^(47,48) the majority of patients in this study did not experience any level of involvement with treatment decision making. Adams et al.⁽⁴⁹⁾ and Gibson et al.⁽⁵⁰⁾ also reported preferences for patient autonomy in decision making in asthma, citing education level, cost concerns, and perceptions of the propensity of physicians to involve them in decisions as drivers for this choice. In the current study, lack of knowledge, insufficient physician time, and reliance on a trusted physician to make educated decisions were the main motivations for non-involvement. Caress et al.^(51,52) also found that although patients with asthma wanted their views respected, the majority did not want to take control of the decision making. Perhaps increasing both patient awareness of the option of shared treatment decision making and the time that physicians have available for their patients in the future could aid in reducing the barriers to greater involvement in treatment decision making for patients with asthma.

Both our qualitative (semi-structured interview) and quantitative (PASAPQ) assessments of patient perception of inhalers were consistent in revealing that the majority of patients were satisfied with their inhalers. Ease of use was considered by patients as the most important feature of their inhaler, irrespective of device type. Patients associated ease of use with better handling of the device, effectiveness in controlling symptoms, and satisfaction and fulfilment with therapy. Patients reported pMDIs as being easy to use, even though it is well known that coordination of actuation and inhalation is one of the most challenging steps, being performed incorrectly by most patients.^(9,53) Despite the satisfaction with ease of use of DPIs, a number of patients were confused about the performance of their device and loading the dose, with some reporting that they could not feel anything coming out of the inhaler. Our patients stated that an ideal inhaler should have a dose counter to ease their concern of running out of medication, and it should be portable and hygienic. Overall, our findings are consistent with other published literature that rate ease of use, hygiene, inclusion of a metered dose counter, portability, and clear leaflet instruction as the most desirable inhaler features from the patients' perspective.^(36,54,55)

We acknowledge that not having a measure of asthma control is a potential limitation of this study. It would be valuable to compare patient views on medication effectiveness with an objective measure of asthma control, and the inclusion of other specific methods such as discrete choice experiments and collection of adherence data may have helped elicit additional patient preference and attitudes toward their inhalers in their real-life setting.

In summary, our finding that the correct inhalation technique is not related to either patient perception or involvement with decision making, and is unlikely to be related to satisfaction with medication, is in contrast to previous literature related to patient preference. The fact that patients could not differentiate the device from the medication itself is a novel finding, and it almost certainly influenced their ultimate perception about inhalers. Other factors unrelated to the device itself influenced the patients' perceptions of their device(s). There was a clear mismatch between the patients' inhalation technique and their perception of their inhalation technique, and satisfaction with the device was unlikely to be related to a better inhalation technique. Rather, those patients who were more aware, knowledgeable, or motivated to achieve good asthma control were more likely to have the correct inhalation technique.

Patients were generally not involved in treatment decision making, nor did they express an interest in being more actively involved. Possible barriers to a shared decision making were revealed, such as cost and physician lack of time. There was no indication that giving patients a choice in device selection would make a difference to the way they perceive their inhalers or their ability to use them correctly. Emphasizing that the correct inhalation technique can lead to better asthma control, reduce cost and side effects of medication, and lead to better outcomes for patients may provide some motivation for patients and healthcare professionals alike to focus on inhalation devices and technique. Since the overwhelming majority of patients in this study did not have the correct inhalation technique, perhaps adopting a more shared decision-making strategy may have the added benefit of providing opportunities for dialog and education between physician and patient about inhalation devices, and follow-up assessment of inhalation technique.

Footnotes

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the time and effort given by the patients who were involved in this study and the pharmacists who helped recruit them into the study.

Author Disclosure Statement

L.J., S.R.D., B.S., and K.C. declare that no conflicts of interest exist. S.B.-A.: Scientific and advisory boards: MEDA, Teva. Consultation: Mundipharma, GSK. No conflict of interest exists with these relationships and the research conducted in this study.

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