Which device for which patient? Criteria for selecting inhaler devices

Inhalation is the preferred route of delivery for anti-asthma medications. Asthma management guidelines recommend inhalation choice, but they don9t provide specific guidance regarding devices selection. Unless all asthmatic patients are able to use their inhaler devices correctly, poor inhaler technique will continue to be one of the main obstacle of asthma management. Prescribing a suitable device for the patient will grantee better inhaler technique and improves medication delivery to the airways and as a result will improve level of asthma control. The ideal inhaler device is the device that is easy to be used by the patient and enable the desired medication to reach the airways. The selection of the device should be made after assessing patients abilities to ensure that they are able to understand the instructions and perform all the necessary steps correctly. However, in reality inhaler devices are often prescribed according to patient age, level of education, cost of the device, pharmaceutical companies recommendations or prescribers preference. To guide our prescribers in selecting the best devices for their patients, we developed inhaler devices selection criteria according to patient9s cognitive, physical and inhalation abilities. The aim of this presentation is to present the criteria assessment steps and inhaler devices choices. References: 1. Robert Barrons. Am J Health Syst Pharm, July 2011; 68:1, 1221-1232 2. P. Anderson. Eur Respir Rev 2005; 14: 96, 109–116.