What inhaler device features are most valued by patients? (ID 632)
Chiesi Limited, Manchester, UK
Abstract
Background and Aim
Inhaled therapies are frequently prescribed in the management of asthma and COPD, with different inhaler devices available in the UK. It is important to take patient preference into consideration when choosing the right device for the right patient. The right selection should optimise adherence to treatment and disease control. A patient preference questionnaire was developed to explore the relevance of different inhaler features.
Methods
A qualitative online questionnaire was hosted on a patient-facing Chiesi webpage between January and June 2025. The questionnaire included comparison questions on device features between the NEXThaler® and the patient’s previous inhaler.
Results
Anonymous data was collected from 292 respondents. Over half of respondents (52%) had used inhalers for ≥5 years, with 30% of respondents using the NEXThaler for over 6 months. 69% of respondents were switched from another inhaler device prior to being prescribed a NEXThaler, with 57% being prescribed a pMDI immediately prior to the NEXThaler.
Amongst the respondents, the most important features of an inhaler were: presence of dose counter (85.4%); ease of use (82.9%); comfortable mouthpiece (80.5%). The most important features of the NEXThaler were: a dose counter that counts per one dose (91%); ease of use (82.2%); comfortable mouthpiece (78%). Additionally, respondents also considered the audible click that confirms dose delivery to be an important or very important feature of the NEXThaler (85.2%). Of those respondents who had been switched from another inhaler device to the NEXThaler, the following features were preferred or strongly preferred in the NEXThaler: confidence that the dose has been taken (65.4%); ease of use (64.2%); comfort of mouthpiece (55.6%). The preferences appeared unrelated to age, gender, and duration of use. Overall satisfaction of the NEXThaler was high with 81% of respondents reporting that they were either satisfied or extremely satisfied, with an average satisfaction rating of 4.23 (out of 5).
Conclusions
The most important inhaler features were consistent with those most valued in the NEXThaler device. An administered individual dose counter and feedback through an audible click (providing confidence of dose delivery) are the most valued features of NEXThaler.
Funding: Chiesi Limited, Manchester, UK
Conflicts of interest: None
The conference has been instigated and organised by PCRS. We are grateful to sponsors and exhibitors who have contributed funding towards this event in return for exhibition space. Neither sponsors or exhibitors have had any input into the agenda or the selection of speakers with the exception of any sponsored satellite symposia which are clearly indicated. View the full list of sponsors.
The conference social programme - dinner, drinks and disco - is not covered by sponsorship or exhibition fees.