The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preparation and inhalation techniques for the administration of Flutide®. The population of this study comprised of three groups, one group of patients who had commenced using Flutide®, one group who had been on steroid inhalation therapy using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and one group who had never been on steroid inhalation therapy. We provided instructions in and assessed the in-halation techniques at the patient's first visit and reassessed the same action at second visit. A questionnaire was also provided.
Regarding preparation, elderly patients at their first visit were suggested to have slight difficulties in removing the tray of the Diskhaler® and in rotating the Rotadisk® to place the next blister ready for use. At their second visit, however, most patients could perform these tasks without any significant problems.
As for the inhalation technique, most patients, regardless of age, had difficulties in inhaling quickly from the Diskhaler®. It was found that the action was difficult not only for the elderly, but also for younger patients. We found a notable tendency for patients who had never been on inhalation therapy to be confused regarding how to inhale quickly from the Diskhaler®. At the second visit, almost all patients could perform this procedure without mistakes, but we thought it advisable to repeat both practice and instructions. Furthermore, the results of the questionnaire showed that 72 % of the patients found Flutide® easier to use than MDI, while 78% of them wanted to continuously use the Flutide®.
These results indicated that Flutide® was a satisfactory device for patients, although some patients might have to repeat training for certain steps of the procedure. The overall results of our study indicate that patients expressed a high level of satisfaction with this device.
