In a recent post, we began discussing the fact that only about 7 percent of asthma sufferers were using their medical devices properly. That number seems staggeringly low, considering that approximately one in 12 people have asthma — or about 8 percent of the population.
With so few of these patients taking the proper care of themselves using their prescribed medications, a number of allergy and asthma focused organizations are beginning to look at how they can more effectively treat patients.
One charity institution, Asthma UK, says that they were not at all surprised by the findings of the American study that resulted in this data. In an interview with MedCity News, clinical director of Allergy UK, Maureen Jenkins, said that the low numbers of proper use are largely due to the fact that there are so many devices in use that it is hard to give standard directions on how to use each of them. In fact, patients often need to receive device-specific instructions, which usually doesn't happen.
It is also an issue because many time, people who don't properly use their devices are then not being effectively treating their symptoms. In turn, they go to their doctors who end up prescribing stronger asthma treatment that may not be necessary.
"This is also hugely wasteful — asthma-prescribing is one of the most expensive areas of cost for the NHS [National Health Service], costing almost £1bn annually," said director of research and policy at Asthma UK, Dr Samantha Walker.
That number translates to approximately 1.55 billion U.S. dollars.
Walker continued, "You wouldn't give someone a new car without them having driving lessons first, so if you are going to invest in prescribing a lifetime of asthma medicines, it's crucial that healthcare professionals ensure that their patients know how to use them."
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