Work

Environmentally friendly inhaler decision-making with personalized care in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Green behavioral shifts in prescribing habits, device selection and patient counseling have been proposed to deliver low-carbon sustainable healthcare, including the transition from pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) to propellant-free inhalers. Objective: This study explores the extent to which healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients can factor the environmental impact into inhaler decision-making with personalized care in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted involving seven focus groups and one semi-structured interview with 22 participants consisting of general practitioners, community pharmacists, pulmonologists, assistants and patients. Data was analyzed deductively to identify challenges and facilitators related to capability, opportunity and motivation; and inductively for actions to foster environmentally conscious behavior. Results: Overall, participants felt a moral responsibility and were willing to opt for environmentally friendly inhaler initiatives including a shift from pMDIs to dry-powder inhalers (DPIs), if clinically appropriate and performed as outcome of shared decision-making. Collaboration between researchers and relevant stakeholders was required to strengthen their capacity to advance in this area. Proposed strategies covered five areas: (1) communication, education and awareness; (2) appropriate inhaler prescribing; (3) promotion of smarter inhaler choices; (4) optimization of quality of care; and (5) appropriate inhaler disposal. Conclusion: These findings guide the delivery of a range of opportunities to improve quality of care while simultaneously reduce carbon footprint. This requires a multifactorial and interdisciplinary approach with HCPs playing a central role in engaging and educating patients to determine the viability of environmentally friendly alternatives, promote correct inhaler use and appropriate disposal.

Source: Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy

DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100651

Authors: Claire D. Visser, Alan Sulaiman, Narrin Bakr, Henk-Jan Guchelaar, Martina Teichert

Institutions: Leiden University Medical Center, Royal Dutch Pharmacists Association

Language: English

Topic: Inhalation and Respiratory Drug Delivery

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,140