The patient perspective. What should a new anti-asthma agent provide?

Patients want medication that they feel confident using and that will control symptoms and be well tolerated. Patients may dislike and use ineffectively some asthma delivery devices such as inhalers, and they may have anxieties about adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroid medication. Oral medication may offer the advantage of improved patient compliance and, in 2 studies, patients have stated a preference for oral medication. However, the introduction of any new medication is likely to arouse anxieties and expectations in patients, and it is important that they be given clear information on medication use and that time be spent discussing any concerns about change. In the general practice consultation, patients are not always able to raise all the issues that are important to them in their asthma management. Asthma clinics staffed by nurses have more time and the opportunity to deal with patient concerns and teach good medication practice. Pharmacists may also have a role to play in patient counselling and giving advice on changes in medication.