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. 2018 Nov 16;28(1):43.
doi: 10.1038/s41533-018-0110-x.

Systematic review of association between critical errors in inhalation and health outcomes in asthma and COPD

Janwillem W H Kocks  1 , Henry Chrystyn  2 , Job van der Palen  3 , Mike Thomas  4   5   6 , Louisa Yates  7 , Sarah H Landis  8 , Maurice T Driessen  7 , Mugdha Gokhale  9 , Raj Sharma  7 , Mathieu Molimard  10
Affiliations

Systematic review of association between critical errors in inhalation and health outcomes in asthma and COPD

Janwillem W H Kocks et al. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med. .

Abstract

Inhaled medications are the cornerstone of treatment and management of asthma and COPD. However, inhaler device errors are common among patients and have been linked with reduced symptom control, an increased risk of exacerbations, and increased healthcare utilisation. These observations have prompted GINA (Global INitiative for Asthma) and GOLD (Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) to recommend regular assessment of inhaler technique in a bid to improve therapeutic outcomes. To better define the relationship between device errors and health outcomes (clinical outcomes, quality of life, and healthcare utilisation) in asthma and COPD, we conducted a systematic review of the literature, with a particular focus on the methods used to assess the relationship between device errors and outcomes. Sixteen studies were identified (12 in patients with asthma, one in patients with COPD, and three in both asthma and COPD) with varying study designs, endpoints, and patient populations. Most of the studies reported that inhalation errors were associated with worse disease outcomes in patients with asthma or COPD. Patients who had a reduction in errors over time had improved outcomes. These findings suggest that time invested by healthcare professionals is vital to improving inhalation technique in asthma and COPD patients to improve health outcomes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Janwillem W.H. Kocks declares grants and personal fees from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK and Novartis, and grants from Chiesi, Mundipharma and Teva. Henry Chrystyn has received sponsorship to carry out studies, Board Membership, consultant agreements and honoraria for presentation, from Almirall, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, GSK, Innovata Biomed, Meda, Mundipharma, Napp Pharmaceuticals, NorPharma, Novartis, Orion, Sanofi, Teva, Trudell Medical International, UCB, and Zentiva. He has also received research sponsorship from grant-awarding bodies (EPSRC and MRC). He is the owner of Inhalation Consultancy Ltd. Job van der Palen has received grant and travel funding from GSK. Mike Thomas has received personal fees from GSK, Novartis, Aerocrine, Boehringer Ingelheim, Teva, Pfizer, Roche, and Sandoz. He has also received non-financial support from GSK, Novartis, AstraZeneca, and Boehringer Ingelheim. Louisa Yates, Sarah Landis, Maurice Driessen, Raj Sharma, and Mugdha Gokhale are employed by, and hold stock in, GSK. Mathieu Molimard declares Board Membership and Consultancy with Almirall, AstraZeneca, BMS, GSK, Lundbeck, Mundipharma, Novartis Pharma, Otsuka, Pfizer, Stallergen, and Zentiva. He received payment for travel/accommodation/meeting expenses from Novartis Pharma.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow diagram of the literature search
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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