Encouraging DPI Inhaler Prescriptions

Importance of Proper Inhaler Technique

Proper inhaler technique is essential for maximizing the efficacy of DPI inhalers, ensuring optimal treatment outcomes and symptom management.

Introduction

Quality Improvement Project

Comparing prescribing of dry powder salbutamol inhalers (DPIs) compared to multi-dose salbutamol inhalers (MDIs) in KMP

What is a Dry Powder Inhaler?

Today's aim - to review DPIs

Type of inhaler that deliver medication directly to the lungs to treat conditions such as COPD and asthma

An alternative to Multi-dose inhalers (MDIs)

Medication particles are powdered, not wet like in an MDI

MDIs

DPIs

A breath-actuated device that delivers medicine in the form of particles in a capsule or blister.

Aerosol device that uses a propellant to deliver medicine

Carbon Footprint Comparison

Sustainability in Healthcare

70% of inhalers prescribed in the UK are MDIs

Transitioning to DPI inhalers can help healthcare systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions, supporting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

Carbon Footprint Comparison

Environmental Benefits of DPI Inhalers

DPI inhalers offer a more sustainable healthcare option with reduced carbon footprint compared to MDI inhalers.

Inhaler emissions account for approximately 3-4% of the NHS carbon footprint

DRY POWDER INHALERS

MDI inhalers use hydrofluoroalkanes (HFA) propellants which are potent greenhouse gases, 1000-3000 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

What's the benefit?

1.) Environmental

Just as effective as MDIs

and FIRST LINE IN THE HIGHLAND FORMULARLY

2) Ease of Use

How to use a DPI inhaler

https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/inhaler-videos/easyhaler

Who is not suitable for a DPI?

What to prescribe?

Downsides?

SABA - Easyhaler - salbutamol

Not suitable for everyone

More expensive Salbutamol Easyhaler - £3.31 , Sabutamol Salamol £1.46

Inhaled Corticosteroid - Easyhaler Budesonide, Pulmicort, Turbohaler - Budesonide

Patient concerns - unable to feel of taste particles

Humidity can cause powder to clump

TBA - Ventolin accuhaler DPI 200 micrograms

Benefits to Patients and Healthcare System

Encouraging Prescription of DPI Inhalers

Prescribing DPI inhalers provides patients with easier usage, improved medication delivery, and better symptom management, benefiting both patients and healthcare systems.

Promoting the prescription of DPI inhalers can lead to enhanced patient outcomes and reduced environmental impact.

Healthcare Sustainability

Adopting DPI inhalers reduces the environmental impact of inhaler use, supporting healthcare sustainability efforts and promoting eco-friendly practices within healthcare systems.

Ease of use

Breath actuated - medicine is released when you take a fast breath in - no need for hand breath co-ordination

No need for a spacer

Patient Education and Engagement

Educating patients about DPI inhalers, their benefits, and proper usage, while fostering patient engagement, can enhance treatment outcomes and promote proactive management of respiratory conditions.

Take home messages

Dry Powder Inhalers are:

1.) First line in our formulary

2.) Have a much lower carbon footprint to MDIs

3.) Are just as effective providing patient meets criteria and proper inhaler technique is used.

Please consider prescribing DPIs!