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Inhaler devices and the elderly.
M A Todd1, J J Baskett, D E Richmond
1Department of Medicine, University of Auckland School of Medicine.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|February 14, 1990
Summary
Elderly individuals found the FO2 Inhalator easiest to learn and use compared to metered dose inhalers and Diskhalers. This respiratory device demonstrated superior ease of use and preference in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Respiratory Device Usability
- Pulmonary Drug Delivery
Background:
- Elderly individuals often face challenges with inhaler device usability.
- Accurate inhaler technique is crucial for effective respiratory medication delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the ease of use and preference of three inhaler devices (metered dose inhaler, FO2 Inhalator, Diskhaler) in an elderly population.
- To identify usability challenges associated with each device in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A randomized crossover trial involving 31 nonasthmatic elderly volunteers (average age 79.6 years).
- Subjects were trained sequentially on three inhaler devices with placebo inhalants.
- Ease of learning and device preference were assessed.
Main Results:
- The FO2 Inhalator was significantly easier to learn than the metered dose inhaler and Diskhaler (p = 0.001).
- The FO2 Inhalator was preferred by 64% of participants.
- The Diskhaler required the longest learning time (16.5 minutes).
Conclusions:
- The FO2 Inhalator is a simple and reliably self-administered device for older people.
- Metered dose inhaler usability was limited to a minority capable of coordinating actuation and inhalation.
- The Diskhaler offered no advantages for this elderly cohort.