Preference, satisfaction and errors with two dry powder inhalers in patients with COPD.

OBJECTIVE

To assess preference, satisfaction and critical errors with a novel, breath-actuated, multi-dose dry powder inhaler (DPI; Genuair®/Pressair™), versus a widely used, single-dose DPI (HandiHaler®) in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

METHODS

In this randomised, open-label, multicentre, cross-over study, patients (aged ≥ 40 years) inhaled placebo once daily through both inhalers for 2 weeks in addition to current medication. The primary end point was percentage of patients who preferred Genuair to HandiHaler. Overall patient satisfaction (5-point scale: 1 = very dissatisfied; 5 = very satisfied), critical errors and willingness to continue using each inhaler (0 = not willing; 100 = definitely willing) were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 130 patients randomised, 105 were included in the intent-to-treat population (71.4% male; mean age 65.7 years). After 2 weeks, significantly more patients preferred Genuair than HandiHaler (79.1 vs 20.9%; p < 0.0001). Overall satisfaction scores (4.6 vs 3.8; p < 0.0001) and willingness to continue use scores (84.0 vs 62.5; p < 0.0001) were significantly higher with Genuair versus HandiHaler. Significantly fewer patients made ≥ 1 critical error with Genuair only compared with HandiHaler only (2.9 vs 19.0%; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

After 2 weeks' practice, patients preferred and were more willing to continue using Genuair than HandiHaler. Genuair was associated with higher patient satisfaction and fewer critical errors than HandiHaler.