Determinants and differences in satisfaction with the inhaler among patients with asthma or COPD.

Abstract Background Satisfaction with the inhaler is an important determinant of treatment adherence in patients with asthma and COPD. However, few studies have compared these two groups to identify the factors associated with satisfaction with the inhaler. Objective To assess and compare satisfaction with the inhaler in patients with asthma or COPD and to determine the variables associated with high inhaler satisfaction. Methods Multicenter, cross-sectional study of 816 patients (406 with asthma and 410 with COPD). Satisfaction was assessed with the Feeling of Satisfaction with Inhaler (FSI-10) questionnaire. All participants completed the Test of Adherence to Inhalers (TAI) and either the Asthma Control Test (ACT) or the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). Results Overall, the asthma group was significantly more satisfied with the inhaler (mean [SD] FSI-10 scores: 44.1 [6.5] vs. 42.0 [7.7]; p Conclusions Age, disease control, and training in inhalation technique all play a more significant role than the specific diagnosis in explaining satisfaction with the device in patients with asthma and COPD. These findings underscore the need to provide better training and more active monitoring of inhalation technique to improve patient satisfaction, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes.