Handling of and Preferences for Available Dry Powder Inhaler Systems by Patients with Asthma and COPD

The correct handling of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) is crucial for efficient therapy, and acceptance of the device can improve compliance. The handling of seven different dry powder inhalers was studied in 72 patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to identify possible handling errors and investigate patient preferences. Patients inhaled twice with each inhaler; first after reading the device leaflet, and second after device handling was explained by the investigator. The investigator identified handling errors and critical handling errors, which might lead to insufficient or no dose delivery. Afterward, the patients selected their preferred device and judged different aspects of device handling. The lowest number of patients with critical handling errors was observed for the Diskus/Accuhaler, the highest numbers for the Jethaler and the Easyhaler (% of patients during first/second use): Diskus/Accuhaler 25%/13.9% (group A) and 38.9%/8.3% (group B); ...