Prescription of inhalers among pulmonologists and nonpulmonologists: is there a difference

Abstract

Abstract Objective The objectives of this study were to evaluate prescription of inhalers and to assess knowledge and practice of doctors who can deal with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, regarding inhalation therapies and inhalation techniques. Patients and methods A prospective, cross-sectional survey was carried out on physicians from different specialties who can deal with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Results The questionnaire was completed by 443 respondents. Ninety percent of nonpulmonologists mentioned that they frequently see and manage patients with chronic pulmonary diseases. Totally, 25 physicians reported that they never prescribe inhaler medications. The most common cause for no or little prescription was that ‘patients refused to use inhalers’ (42.0%). The respondents were pediatricians (37.3%), internists (33.7%), primary-care physicians (16.0%), and pulmonologists (12.9%). About 52% stated that they themselves provided device training for their patients. Pressurized metered dose inhalers were preferred by 64.8% of physicians. Only 21.3% had good general inhaler therapy knowledge (score >2). Pulmonologists scored higher than other specialty groups regarding good knowledge of inhalation therapy (66.7%), whereas pediatricians scored the lowest (8.3%). Conclusion Prescription of inhalers, knowledge among physicians regarding inhalation therapy, and correct use of inhalers varied between pulmonologists and nonpulmonologists, and was generally inadequate. More effort is needed to change the attitude of physicians toward the concept of inhalation therapy.

Keywords

• dry powder inhalers
• inhalation
• knowledge
• metered dose inhaler
• physicians
• techniques