Clinician Views on Inhaler Substitution in the Veterans Health Administration

In July 2021, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented a nationwide inhaler formulary change affecting approximately 260,000 veterans with COPD and asthma. Clinician perceptions regarding this formulary change are unknown.

What were VHA clinician perspectives on the inhaler formulary change from budesonide-formoterol metered-dose inhaler (MDI) to fluticasone-salmeterol dry-powder inhaler?

This cross-sectional survey study was conducted from September 16, 2024, to October 18, 2024. Respondents completed a 10-item questionnaire assessing their experiences with the formulary change, including structured and open-ended questions. The online survey was distributed via national VHA listservs targeting pulmonologists, pharmacists, and primary care providers and included clinicians practicing during the 2021 inhaler formulary change. Main outcomes were clinician-reported perceptions of veteran notification and education, the presence of local facility implementation champions, and overall sentiment expressed in optional open-ended comments.

Among 511 respondents who completed the survey, 258 (50.5%) were pharmacists, 157 (30.7%) pulmonologists, 75 (14.7%) primary care providers, 12 (2.3%) other specialties, and 9 (1.8%) did not provide their specialty. Although a slight majority (54.4%) agreed or strongly agreed that veterans were informed of the formulary change in advance, only 24.7% considered the inhaler education provided to be effective. Among 237 open-ended responses, 179 (75.5%) expressed a negative sentiment about the formulary change, 28 (11.8%) were neutral, 8 (3.4%) were positive, and 22 (9.3%) gave insufficient detail for grading. Themes included poor inhaler tolerance, concerns about worsening patient outcomes, and increased provider workload. Pulmonologists displayed lower awareness than pharmacists and primary care providers regarding the methods used to inform and educate veterans about the formulary change.

VHA clinicians reported predominantly negative perceptions of the 2021 inhaler formulary change, underscoring the importance of timely clinician communication, patient education, and specialty engagement in future formulary transitions.