Late Breaking Abstract - Dry Powder Inhaler Preference In Asthma Patients. Results Of The Dpi Prefer Study

Objectives: To study in patients previously treated with a variety of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) their preference and adherence to Easyhaler (EH) DPI device and to assess ease of inhaler training and use. Methods: A non-interventional, cross-sectional, single-visit observational study in adult patients with persistent asthma, treated with DPI inhalers for at least 3 months. After checking clinical baseline data, patients filled in questionnaires on asthma control (ACT), Inhaler satisfaction (FSI-10) and adherence (TAI and Morinsky-Green questionnaires). Thereafter, all patients were trained in the use of EH, and assessed for ease of use and inhaler device preferences. Researchers found HD instruction easier than the other IPRs compared. Results: 502 patients were recruited (50,2 ± 16,2 years 63% female, 60% neversmokers). 485 answered the questionnaires (mild (30%), moderate (52%) and severe asthma (19%) (GINA 2019)). 96% received inhaled maintenance therapy, 73% inhaledreliever therapy and 49% oral treatments. Adherence to current inhaler treatment was 36% (Morisky-Green test) and according to the TAI test low (44%), moderate (34%) or high (22%). Easyhaler was rated significantly (p<0.001) higher on all aspects of the FSI-10 test. 83% of patients preferred EH and 61% their previous device with 38% and 15% of patients preferring exclusively the EH and the previous device, respectively. Conclusions: In the present study, Easyhaler achieved better patient and researcher ratings than the DPI devices previously used. Adherence to the previous used devices was low. In order to improve adherence strategies that include patient preferences in inhaler device choice should be considered.