A Conversation Aid for Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing

Area of Science:

• Environmental medicine
• Health informatics
• Patient-centered care

Background:

• Climate change necessitates reducing the carbon footprint of medical devices.
• Inhalers, widely used for respiratory conditions, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Prescribing low carbon footprint inhalers requires balancing environmental impact with patient safety and preferences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal content and design for inhaler conversation aids.
• To facilitate climate-conscious prescribing for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Main Methods:

• Developed a web-based conversation aid prototype with tailored versions for different patient groups.
• Employed iterative rapid-cycle development using interviews, focus groups, and surveys with patients and physicians.
• Revised the tool based on feedback to optimize content and usability.

Main Results:

• Recruited 25 patients and 5 family physicians over five development rounds.
• Key revisions included simplifying language, clarifying cost and safety information, and addressing patient concerns about switching inhalers.
• Patients and physicians highly rated the tool, indicating increased confidence in selecting low carbon footprint inhalers.

Conclusions:

• End-user engagement is crucial for developing effective shared decision-making tools.
• Co-created conversation aids can support clinicians and patients in choosing environmentally sustainable inhaler options.
• This approach fosters shared decision-making at the point-of-care for climate-conscious respiratory care.