Patients split on once-daily asthma inhaler regimen
The study
The retrospective study looked at the preferences of 3,731 patients with asthma and 2,138 patients with COPD and matched information in their electronic records with their preferences for a once-a-day inhaler therapy to control their disease.
The findings
The UK researchers found that half of all patients in each cohort indicated they would prefer a once a day therapy, one-quarter were unsure, and one quarter did not prefer a once-a-day inhaler. Patients with poor adherence and higher concerns about their medication were more likely to prefer a once-a-day controller therapy for their condition.
What does it mean for GPs?
The researchers concluded that the mixed results showed that patient preference should determine what inhaler patients are given: ‘Decisions about therapy should be made in consultation with patients and tailored to their individual needs and preferences.’ The study was sponsored by GSK.
Prim Care Resp J 2013, online 4 March
Pulse October survey
Take our July 2025 survey to potentially win £1.000 worth of tokens
Visit Pulse Reference for details on 140 symptoms, including easily searchable symptoms and categories, offering you a free platform to check symptoms and receive potential diagnoses during consultations.
