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. 2022 Aug 6:17:1751-1768.
doi: 10.2147/COPD.S362696. eCollection 2022.

Patient Perceptions of Switching to a Generic Dry Powder Inhaler - Increased Understanding Through Journey Mapping

Sarah E Ray  1 , Vanessa Boudewyns  1 , Christine Davis  1 , Janice P Tzeng  1 , Ila Srivastava  2 , Oluwamurewa Oguntimein  3 , Denise S Conti  4 , Karen B Feibus  2
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Patient Perceptions of Switching to a Generic Dry Powder Inhaler - Increased Understanding Through Journey Mapping

Sarah E Ray et al. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Purpose: This qualitative study explored patients' attitudes about and perceptions of generic dry powder inhaler (DPI) substitution for the brand product and patients' views of generic product quality, efficacy, design, and usability.

Methods: Forty COPD and asthma patients (36 adults, four adolescents), who were actively using a brand DPI product, participated in one of six focus groups. Participants completed a journey mapping exercise to assess attitudes and opinions about a scenario where they refill their prescription and unexpectedly receive a generic DPI instead of their brand DPI. The focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically.

Results: The hypothetical scenario of unexpectedly receiving a generic DPI elicited mixed feelings including: happiness and relief about potential cost savings, confusion, disappointment, anger, and/or frustration with the unexpected switch. Participants in most groups anticipated anxiety or hesitation in using the generic DPI due to concerns about potential differences in usability, uncertainty about correct use, and questions about efficacy. Participants across all groups said they would ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider for information or answers to their questions, and some participants said they would use online resources. When participants held the brand and generic DPI devices, most preferred the brand DPI device and found it easier, less cumbersome, or more convenient to use (due to size and weight). However, many participants reiterated that the potential reduced cost of the generic DPI would be a primary factor in their decision-making related to generic DPI substitution for their brand DPI.

Conclusion: Patients experienced a mixture of positive and negative feelings when faced with an unexpected generic DPI substitution. Some patients have doubts about their ability to successfully navigate differences in generic device design, and most expressed the desire to participate in discussions and decision-making with their HCP about generic DPI sameness and substitution.

Keywords: COPD; asthma; drug-device combination products; focus groups; generic drugs; medical devices.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work. Views expressed in this article are from the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, and the FDA, nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization imply endorsement by the US Government.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Image of DPIs used in the study. (A) Closed position, Advair Diskus (brand) on left and Wixela Inhub (generic) on the right. (B) Open position, Advair Diskus (brand) on left and Wixela Inhub (generic) on the right.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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