Rothwell Evie, McElvaney Joseph, Fitzpatrick Alice, van Hove Maria, Gopfert Anya, Standing Lewis, Walpole Sarah Catherine
University College London Hospitals, UK.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde/University of Glasgow, UK.
Future Healthc J. 2024 May 11;11(2):100141. doi: 10.1016/j.fhj.2024.100141. eCollection 2024 Jun.
Inhalers are a key aspect of managing airways disease. With effective use, they can reduce symptoms, reduce the frequency of exacerbations and thus reduce usage of healthcare services. Inhalers are associated with a significant carbon footprint, accounting for 3% of NHS' carbon emissions. We aimed to audit inhaler technique, patient preferences and inhaler prescribing and disposal to identify areas for improving the sustainability of respiratory care. An audit tool was created, and patient interviews conducted across eight different sites. Our data demonstrate that inhaler users, while self-reporting high levels of confidence in their inhaler technique, frequently make errors in inhaler technique. Additionally, the majority of patients considered the carbon footprint of their inhalers important and would consider changing to a lower carbon alternative. The majority of patients surveyed were not disposing of their inhalers correctly. This short audit has identified key areas for improvement in the quality and sustainability of respiratory care.
吸入器是管理气道疾病的关键环节。正确使用吸入器可减轻症状,减少病情加重的频率,从而降低医疗服务的使用量。吸入器的碳足迹相当可观,占英国国民医疗服务体系(NHS)碳排放的3%。我们旨在审核吸入器使用技巧、患者偏好以及吸入器的处方和处置情况,以确定可提高呼吸护理可持续性的领域。我们创建了一个审核工具,并在八个不同地点对患者进行了访谈。我们的数据表明,吸入器使用者虽然自我报告对其吸入器使用技巧有很高的信心,但在使用技巧上经常出错。此外,大多数患者认为其吸入器的碳足迹很重要,并会考虑改用碳排放量较低的替代品。大多数接受调查的患者没有正确处置他们的吸入器。这项简短的审核确定了呼吸护理质量和可持续性方面需要改进的关键领域。