TY - JOUR
TI - Device use errors among patients with asthma and COPD and the role of
training: a real-life study
AU - Papaioannou, I, Andriana
AU - Bartziokas, Konstantinos
AU - Hillas,
AU - Georgios
AU - Fouka, Evangelia
AU - Dimakou, Katerina
AU - Kallieri, Maria
AU - and Tsikrika, Stamatoula
AU - Papadaki, Georgia
AU - Papathanasiou,
AU - Evgenia
AU - Papaporfyriou, Anastasia
AU - Apollonatou, Vasiliki and
AU - Verykokou, Galateia
AU - Mplizou, Myrto
AU - Papakosta, Despina and
AU - Manali, Effrosyni D.
AU - Papiris, Spyridon
AU - Loukides, Stelios
JO - Journal of Postgraduate Medicine
PY - 2021
VL - 133
TODO - 5
SP - 524-529
PB - TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD LONDON
SN - 0022-3859
TODO - 10.1080/00325481.2021.1902188
TODO - Inhalation devices; correct use; asthma; COPD; exacerbations
TODO - Background and objectives: Administration of inhaled medication for
asthma and COPD is often difficult and incorrect device use is
associated with unfavorable outcomes. We aimed to evaluate device use
errors in asthma and COPD patients and to associate incorrect use with
the patient’s characteristics and medical history.
Methods: Demographics and medical history were recorded. The use of each
prescribed device was evaluated according to predefined steps.
Results: 607 patients (49.9% male, median age (IQR) 63 (51, 70) years
performed 663 demonstrations (56 patients were using 2 different types
of devices). 51.4% were treated for asthma and 48.6% for COPD. 79.6%
of demonstrations were performed using DPIs. Errors were documented on
41.2% of demonstrations and were associated with the type of device, p
< 0.001. Elderly patients were less frequently using their devices
correctly compared to younger patients, 50.8% vs 62.2%, respectively,
p = 0.007. Correct demonstrations were more among asthmatics compared to
COPD patients 63.1% vs 54.5%, p = 0.024. Incorrect use was associated
with more acute exacerbations in the preceding year [median(IQR), 1(0,
2) vs 1(0, 1)], for incorrect and correct use, respectively, p < 0.001.
Upon demonstration, 15.5% of patients have never been trained (i.e.,
undergone actual demonstrations and observation while using their
device) by anyone. Errors occurred more frequently among patients who
reported not to be trained compared to those who were trained, 67.0% vs
14.6%, respectively, p Conclusion: Device use errors are common and
associated with unfavorable outcomes. Trained patients were more likely
to use the device correctly.
ER -