Evaluation of Real-World Usability and Safety Factors for Valved Holding Chambers (VHCs) / Spacers (ID 444)
Trudell Medical
Funding: Funded by Trudell Medical International
Abstract
AIM: VHCs, sometimes called Spacers, are designed to assist with the coordinated delivery of Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) and reduce oropharyngeal drug deposition. Their drug delivery performance should be well understood and clinically validated. In addition, it is important to understand patient usability and safety factors. This study compared a number of VHCs for such factors.METHODS: The following VHCs were evaluated (n=6/group): AeroChamber Plus Flow-Vu VHC (AC); Vortex (VOR); SpaceChamber Plus Compact (SC); Easy Chamber (EC); OptiChamber Diamond (OD); Able Spacer (AS); Volumatic (VOL). Each VHC was assessed in terms of a) Ease of tidal breathing, b) Presence of Inhalation feedback, c) Dishwasher cleanable, d) Robustness and e) Tamper resistant valves.
RESULTS: Reported in table below.
CONCLUSIONS: Review of the results table highlights many differences between the various Spacers on test, with one Spacer demonstrating positive aspects for all features assessed and one other having all negative. This highlights the need for health care professionals to consider such real-world features when choosing which device to recommend, in addition to proven clinical validation.
Conflicts of interest: We are both employed in clinical / scientific capacity for a medical device manufacturer
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