Inhaler misuse in an older adult population

To determine the prevalence of inhaler misuse in an older adult population.

Prospective observational study.

Two primary care outpatient clinics in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center in North Carolina.

Male veterans 65 years of age and older (N = 24) prescribed a pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) or a dry powder inhaler (DPI).

Inhaler technique was evaluated using placebo inhaler devices and a standardized technique assessment form that included critical steps. Potential risk factors for misuse were obtained from the medical record, and the time for technique evaluation was collected.

Study participants yielded 44 unique device observations. Patients were male with an average age of 82 years. All patients made at least one error, with a mean error rate of 2.5 errors/patient/inhaler, while 20 of 24 (83%) patients made at least one critical error with a mean error rate of 1.2 critical errors/patient/inhaler. Assessment of inhaler technique required 2.3 minutes/inhaler. Critical errors were made during 15 of 19 (79%) pMDI observations and 22 of 25 (88%) DPI observations. Patients with multiple inhalers or a history of stroke committed errors more often, although no risk factors demonstrated meaningful differences in error rates.

Inhaler misuse in older adults is common, including committing critical errors that have been shown to reduce drug delivery. The time necessary for technique evaluation is relatively small. The high rate of misuse observed should serve as motivation for increased vigilance, individualized technique education, and routine re-assessment in the highly heterogeneous older adult population.