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At Western Michigan University
Homer Stryker M.D. School of
Medicine, both the AIM and InCheck
DIAL are routinely utilized to ensure
patients are not only knowledgeable about
their medications, but able to use them
properly. As the majority of our patients
use at least one non-powder device, the
AIM in particular has led to significant
quality improvements in our practice.
The integration of a dedicated
respiratory therapist serving as patient
educator and inhaler education tools in
our practice has allowed us to markedly
improve our education practices and
customize our patient disease
management regimens to more
accurately reflect our patients’ respiratory
status. This has led to significant
improvements in our COPD population’s
quality of life, as measured by the COPD
Assessment Test (CAT), as presented in
2017 at COPD10usa 4 .
Unlike medications administered via
other routes, the effectiveness of inhaled
medications depends heavily on an
individual’s technique and abilities.
Unfortunately, despite expert opinion
and evidence-based practice
recommendations, evaluation of inhaler
technique and inspiratory flow
characteristics remains overlooked and
incomplete in most patients. This leads
directly to increased healthcare costs,
increased symptom severity and
instability, and lower quality of life.
This is unfortunate, considering the
availability and comparatively low cost
of devices such as the Aerosol
Inhalation Monitor, which provide
rapid, comprehensive feedback that
empowers clinicians to improve
personalized disease management
strategies. These devices should be
considered just as indispensable as
otoscopes and blood pressure cuffs, and
should be come just as ubiquitous in
primary care and pulmonology practices
alike. Patients with respiratory
compromise deserve nothing less.
References:
1. Molimard M, Raherison C, Lignot S, et al.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
exacerbation and inhaler device handling:
real-life assessment of 2935 patients. Eur
Respir J. 2017;49(2):1601794. doi:
10.1183/13993003.01794-2016.
2. Price D, Bosnic-Anticevich S, Briggs A, et
al. Inhaler competence in asthma:
Common errors, barriers to use and
recommended solutions. Respir Med.
2013;107(1):37-46. doi:10.1016/J.RMED.
2012.09.017.
3. Scichilone N. Asthma Control: The Right
Inhaler for the Right Patient. Adv Ther.
2015;32(4):285-292. doi:10.1007/
s12325-015-0201-9.
4. Yawn BP, Thomashow B. Abstract
Presentations: COPD10usa 2017. Chronic
Obstr Pulm Dis J COPD Found. 2017;4(4):
305-319. doi:10.15326/jcopdf.
4.4.2017.0162.
Read this and more articles plus references at
www.PhysiciansOfficeNews.com
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