Influence of two different inhalation devices on therapy compliance in asthmatic patients.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the influence of inhalation device (Autohaler versus metered dose inhaler) and patients' subjective opinion towards the different devices, as well as daily frequency and duration of treatment on medication compliance.


METHODS
Prospective study measuring compliance in the same patients of the Autohaler twice daily with the metered dose inhaler twice daily, as well the Autohaler twice daily with the Autohaler four times daily.


METHODS
Primary health care.


METHODS
34 subjects with asthma.


METHODS
Patients preference and compliance.


RESULTS
Patients preferred the Autohaler. The percentage of patients with a negative opinion towards the metered dose inhaler was 38% compared with 12% towards the Autohaler. The median values of the compliance rate of the Autohaler with twice and four times daily frequency were 90.8% (25-75th percentile 61.6-98.0%) and 78.5% (25-75th percentile 49.0%-91.2%), respectively (p < 0.001). The duration of treatment period had a significant negative influence on compliance when four times daily dosage frequency was prescribed (p = 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the devices (metered dose inhaler and Autohaler) and the patients' opinion about the devices did not significantly contribute to the compliance rates. Compliance towards the medication treatment, however, is negatively influenced by a high daily frequency.
Department of General Practice and Social Medicine, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Constant Paul
CP
van Schayck
Ingrid Desirée
ID
Bijl-Hofland
Hans
H
Folgering
Sonja Gerarda Martina
SG
Cloosterman
Reinier
R
Akkermans
Frank
F
van den Elshout
Chris
C
van Weel
D000328:Adult; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers / Q000145:classification*; D009426:Netherlands; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012646:Self Administration / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents