OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate inhaler technique and symptom control in patients with poorly controlled asthma at baseline and at follow-up in a dedicated asthma clinic in a tertiary hospital. We also investigated the impact of asthma on these patients' quality of life. METHODS: Patients referred to a newly established asthma clinic in Cork University Hospital were prospectively recruited over a 6-month period. Their inhaler technique was assessed by a pulmonary nurse specialist using a validated scoring system. They received instruction on inhaler usage when scores were suboptimal. Patients completed a validated asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) and asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ). At follow-up 3-4 months later, the inhaler technique was reassessed and the ACQ questionnaire repeated. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were recruited (female = 74%), and 40/46 were followed up. Mean [SD] FEV1 % predicted at baseline = 76.5% [21.5]. About 63% of the patients were classified as incorrectly using their inhaler at their initial assessment. This decreased to 20% at follow-up, indicating an overall significant improvement in inhaler usage post-training (p = 0.003). ACQ scores improved significantly from median [interquartile range] 2.70 [1.66] to 2.00 [1.90] (p = 0.002). Baseline measurement indicated that patients' quality of life was moderately affected by asthma, with a median AQLQ score of 4.75 [1.97]. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the importance of educating and formally assessing inhaler technique in patients with asthma as a part of their ongoing clinical review.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate inhaler technique and symptom control in patients with poorly controlled asthma at baseline and at follow-up in a dedicated asthma clinic in a tertiary hospital. We also investigated the impact of asthma on these patients' quality of life. METHODS:Patients referred to a newly established asthma clinic in Cork University Hospital were prospectively recruited over a 6-month period. Their inhaler technique was assessed by a pulmonary nurse specialist using a validated scoring system. They received instruction on inhaler usage when scores were suboptimal. Patients completed a validated asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) and asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ). At follow-up 3-4 months later, the inhaler technique was reassessed and the ACQ questionnaire repeated. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were recruited (female = 74%), and 40/46 were followed up. Mean [SD] FEV1 % predicted at baseline = 76.5% [21.5]. About 63% of the patients were classified as incorrectly using their inhaler at their initial assessment. This decreased to 20% at follow-up, indicating an overall significant improvement in inhaler usage post-training (p = 0.003). ACQ scores improved significantly from median [interquartile range] 2.70 [1.66] to 2.00 [1.90] (p = 0.002). Baseline measurement indicated that patients' quality of life was moderately affected by asthma, with a median AQLQ score of 4.75 [1.97]. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the importance of educating and formally assessing inhaler technique in patients with asthma as a part of their ongoing clinical review.
Authors: Wim M van Aalderen; Luis Garcia-Marcos; Monika Gappa; Warren Lenney; Søren Pedersen; Richard Dekhuijzen; David Price Journal: NPJ Prim Care Respir Med Date: 2015-01-08 Impact factor: 2.871
Authors: Job F M van Boven; Jaap C A Trappenburg; Thys van der Molen; Niels H Chavannes Journal: NPJ Prim Care Respir Med Date: 2015-07-16 Impact factor: 2.871
Authors: Omar Sharif Usmani; Federico Lavorini; Jonathan Marshall; William Christopher Nigel Dunlop; Louise Heron; Emily Farrington; Richard Dekhuijzen Journal: Respir Res Date: 2018-01-16
Authors: Janwillem W H Kocks; Henry Chrystyn; Job van der Palen; Mike Thomas; Louisa Yates; Sarah H Landis; Maurice T Driessen; Mugdha Gokhale; Raj Sharma; Mathieu Molimard Journal: NPJ Prim Care Respir Med Date: 2018-11-16 Impact factor: 2.871