Assessment of Patient Satisfaction and Preference with the Respimat^®

Aim: Respimat^® reusable is an enhanced version of the Respimat^® soft-mist inhaler, retaining the aerosol characteristics while adding new features such as reusability, an enlarged dose counter and improved handling. This study, conducted according to the ESOMAR (European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research) code of conduct, aimed to assess patient satisfaction and preference for Respimat^® reusable, among current Respimat^® or DPI (dry powder inhaler) users.

Method: Standardized face-to-face interviews were conducted by Respimat^® reusable certified staff with 100 COPD and/or asthma patients aged 40+ yrs on maintenance inhalation therapy enrolled in 5 German cities. Preparation, daily use and cartridge exchange were demonstrated by the interviewers using Respimat^® reusable placebo, and all steps were repeated by the patients. Inhalation with the Respimat^® reusable placebo was simulated (interviewers/patients did not inhale). Patients completed the PASAPQ (Patient Satisfaction and Preference Questionnaire). For the satisfaction questions, patients rated the Respimat^® reusable according to a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (very dissatisfied) to 7 (very satisfied).

Results: A total of 100 patients were interviewed: 50 current Respimat^® users, 50 current DPI users. Regarding patient satisfaction, overall, total PASAPQ scores and domain scores indicated high satisfaction with Respimat^® reusable. One of the reasons for being highly satisfied was device sustainability due to the reusability and improved CO2 footprint of the new Respimat^®. PASAPQ scores from Respimat^® reusable were in line with published PASAPQ results obtained from previous Respimat^® studies. Most patients indicted willingness to continue using Respimat^® reusable compared with their current inhaler. More than two thirds of patients preferred Respimat^® reusable to their current inhaler.

Conclusion: Overall, the high level of satisfaction with Respimat^® reusable perceived by patients on maintenance bronchodilators with chronic obstructive disease (reflected by preference for and willingness to continue with the new device) is considered as an important factor for compliance and may therefore contribute to more effective bronchodilation therapy.