Results of a Pulmonologist Survey Regarding Knowledge and Practices With Inhalation Devices for COPD

Abstract

Most respondents were confident in their knowledge about treating COPD. Fewer respondents were confident about the use and maintenance of inhalation devices, and most respondents desired to learn more about inhalation devices.

Efficacy and safety of glycopyrrolate/eFlow® CS (nebulized glycopyrrolate) in moderate-to-very-severe COPD: Results from the glycopyrrolate for obstructive lung disease via electronic nebulizer (GOLDEN) 3 and 4 randomized controlled trials

“…Therefore, COPD patients may benefit from nebulized long acting bronchodilator therapy over a shorter treatment time period, to address compliance issues associated with longer administration times and dosing frequency. A recent survey evaluating pulmonologists' experiences with the use of small volume, handheld nebulizers in COPD disease management found that the majority of respondents considered nebulizers may be more effective than dry-powder inhalers or metered-dose inhalers for the treatment of severe COPD and acute exacerbations [32].…”

Economic impact and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease outcomes of a comprehensive inhaler to nebulization therapy protocol implementation in a large multi-state healthcare system

“…There can be concern about not providing patient-specific inhalers in the hospital for patient education reasons, but unless most inhalers with varying device techniques are carried on formulary and the institution has routine comprehensive education for all the staff responsible for administering and teaching throughout the hospital stay then this model will still have inherent deficiencies and does not necessarily mean the drug is administered or taught correctly 10,11,38,39 . A recent study suggests that a high percentage of pulmonologists may not even have the skill set to teach all the medications they are potentially prescribing 40 . The other issue that confounds this is the fact that suboptimal PIFRs have been linked to COPD all-cause readmissions 13 .…”

Results of a Patient Survey Regarding COPD Knowledge, Treatment Experiences, and Practices With Inhalation Devices

“…25 However, a companion survey to the one presented here demonstrated that the majority of U.S. pulmonologists surveyed do not routinely consider SVNs as an option for maintenance therapy in patients with COPD. 15 Furthermore, only about half of surveyed U.S. pulmonologists reported discussing device options with their patients or screened for physical impairments that would impact delivery device choice, and only 16% screened for cognitive impairment. For optimal inhaled COPD therapy, the choice of the inhalation device needs to be matched to the patient's needs and preferences.…”

“…While 70% reported discussing how to use aerosol delivery devices during patients' first visit, only 9% discussed how to clean and store them. 15 These observations suggest more education, and reinforcement of that education, are warranted to ensure the best possible care for subjects.…”

“…14 More importantly, physicians themselves, including pulmonologists, may need additional education, especially related to advising subjects on aerosol delivery devices. 15 These limitations render COPD management less effective than hoped or possible. 10,14,16 Accordingly, we conducted an online survey among subjects with COPD with the objective of exploring their knowledge; their treatment experiences and practices, including the use of aerosol delivery devices, with special emphasis on small-volume nebulizers; and the education they received on these topics from their health care providers.…”