Understanding Nebulizer Utilization by Patients and Healthcare Providers: A COPD Foundation Nebulizer Consortium...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Respiratory Care
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Established guidelines exist for COPD pharmacological management, but fewer address inhaled medication delivery systems.
• The COPD Foundation Nebulizer Consortium surveyed patients and providers on nebulized medication use and perceptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand patient and healthcare provider perceptions and utilization of nebulized medications in COPD management.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to the use of nebulizer devices for COPD treatment.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from February 7 to April 9, 2024.
• Patients (n=347) completed a 42-question survey on demographics, symptoms, and nebulizer role.
• Healthcare providers (n=39) responded to a 17-question survey on clinical experience with nebulized medications.

Main Results:

• Most surveyed patients (84.1%) used nebulizers, preferring them for symptom control and lower copays, despite finding inhalers easier to use.
• Providers (82.1%) viewed nebulizers as preferable during exacerbations.
• Barriers included insurance issues (69.2%), cost (53.8%), and lack of combination drugs (46.2%).

Conclusions:

• Both patients and providers perceive nebulizers as beneficial for COPD management.
• Discrepancies exist regarding patient and provider perceptions of nebulizer cost and feasibility.
• Nebulizer underuse may be linked to insurance, cost, and formulation limitations, despite perceived clinical benefits.