Assessing the acceptability of a novel dry powder inhaler A multicentre study in adult asthmatic patients using routine bronchodilator therapy

Abstract

Objective:

To assess patient acceptability of a novel dry powder inhaler (DPI), Clickhaler^® (Innovata Biomed Ltd., the Respiratory Division of ML Laboratories PLC) in routine clinical use as a first-line bronchodilator treatment.

Design:

In a multicentre open label study, asthma patients taking bronchodilators via a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or DPI (Turbohaler^®) were given salbutamol via the Clickhaler^®. Questionnaires before and after four weeks of treatment were used to assess the clinicians' and patients' opinions of the device.

Subjects:

184 asthma patients aged ≥18 years, showing a good DPI technique.

Results:

Of the 175 patients completing the study, 121 found the Clickhaler^® as easy (30%) or easier (39%) to use than their pre-study inhaler and 87 patients (50%) liked the Clickhaler^® as much as (15%) or more than (35%) their pre-study inhaler. Investigators considered it more suitable (26%) /as suitable (39%) as the pre-study device for 65% of patients. Correct technique was easy to teach and was maintained by 98% of the patients after four weeks.

Conclusion:

The Clickhaler^® is easy to operate and well accepted by adult asthma patients.