Assessment of key influences on asthma inhaler device selection

To identify factors that influenced trained asthma practice nurses' inhaler device selection and the relative importance they placed on these factors in clinical practice.

Questionnaires were sent to 1,500 randomly selected, trained asthma nurses working in primary care. A second, open-ended questionnaire was sent to 300 of these nurses.

The response rate was 38% (573) for the first questionnaire and 21% (64) for the second questionnaire. Patient-related factors had the greatest influence on device selection. Other important factors were ease of inhaler use, the patient's lifestyle and inspiratory flow. Less important considerations were device availability, the size, shape and colour of the inhaler and recommendations from others.

Many factors influence device selection. Nurses considered some of the factors identified as important when selecting a device, but not others. Nurses should be aware of potential influences on device selection and should consider their professional accountability in all patient interactions.