Genuair® Usability Test: Results of a National Public Survey of the Elderly

Abstract

Proper use of inhaler devices may be problematic in elderly patients due to age-related difficulties. A survey was administered to elderly patients to investigate the usability of the Genuair® device and patients' subjective viewpoint on the device. A representative sample of the Italian population aged ≥ 65 years was completed with a pre-defined sample of 89 patients with hand arthritis/arthrosis. Of 526 respondents, 88 were not self-sufficient. Only the replies of the 438 self-sufficient respondents were analyzed. A total of 107 participants (24%) reported having respiratory diseases, and 81 of these (76%) were users of inhaler devices. After the first test, the device was considered “practical/handy” by 90% of patients and “easy to use” by 89%. After the second test, in which patients received a demonstration of the correct inhalation maneuver, the percentage of patients scoring ≥ 7 increased to 93% for the first characteristic and was confirmed for the second, with no differences between the groups in terms of age, educational level, use of devices, and presence of arthritis/arthrosis. The mean time to explain the inhaler technique and to perform a correct inhalation was 1'38"± 1'37", and 70% of the respondents required less than 2 minutes, with no differences between the groups in terms of age, education level, use of devices, and presence of arthritis/arthrosis. In conclusion, Genuair® was well accepted and easy to use in a representative sample of the Italian population aged ≥ 65 years. These characteristics make it a valid choice in the elderly, thus enabling patients to better cope with the problems and difficulties that are common to this age group.

Keywords:

• adherence
• elderly
• inhaler device
• usability

Acknowledgments

The authors take full responsibility for the views expressed in this article, which may not be shared by the sponsor.

Declaration of interest statement

F. Blasi has received research grants from Chiesi, Zambon, and Pfizer, congress lecture fees from Guidotti, Menarini, GSK, Chiesi, Pfizer, and Novartis, and consultancy fees from AstraZeneca, Menarini, Mundipharma, Novartis, GSK, and Pfizer.

G.W. Canonica has been a scientific consultant, researcher in clinical trials, speaker at scientific meetings, seminars, and educational activities for which he has been totally or partially supported by Alk-Abelló, Allergopharma, Allergy Therapeutics, Lofarma, Stallergenes, Thermo Fisher, GSK, Novartis, Astra Zeneca, Mundipharma, Alimirall, and Chiesi Farmaceutici.

S. Centanni has received fees from Novartis and Pfizer for research and from Astra Zeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Novartis, Almirall, Mundipharma, and Teva for participating in advisory boards and providing scientific consultancy services. C. Mereu has no conflicts of interest to declare. R. Bernabei has no conflicts of interest to declare. G. Paolisso has no conflicts of interest to declare. R. Antonelli Incalzi has no conflicts of interest to declare.

A. C. Corsico has received payment from Astra Zeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Novartis Nycomed for participation in advisory boards.

F. Di Marco has received honoraria for lectures at national and international meetings from Almirall, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Dompé, Guidotti/Malesci, GSK, Menarini, Novartis, and Zambon. He has served as a consultant for Astra Zeneca, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Novartis, and Zambon. He has received financial support for research from Novartis.

M. Milanese has no conflicts of interest to declare. F. Pagano has no conflicts of interest to declare.

P. Santus has received financial support for research and for attending scientific meetings from Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Glaxo Smith Kline, Menarini, and Air Liquide. He has received honoraria from Chiesi for lectures at national meetings.

N. Scichilone has received lecture fees and payment for participating in advisory boards from Chiesi Farmaceutici, Mundipharma, Novartis, GSK, and Astra Zeneca.

M. Sumberesi has no conflicts of interest to declare.

F. Braido has received conference lecture fees from Guidotti, Malesci, Menarini, GSK, Chiesi, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Mundipharma, Zambon, Boheringer Ingheleim, Almirall, and Biofutura.

I. Baiardini has no conflicts of interest to declare.

The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Funding

This study was funded by Almirall Spa.