How a Novel Portable Spacer Benefits Patients with Respiratory Disease, the Healthcare System, and the Environment

Abstract

Spacers or valved holding chambers added to pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDI) reduce errors in inhaler technique and improve delivery of fine dose particles to patients with obstructive airway diseases. However, despite the established benefits of spacers, patients frequently do not use them beyond the home setting due to inconvenience regarding their relatively large size and appearance. Notably, not using the spacer (i.e., nonadherence) could have negative consequences for more than just the patients themselves. Alan Kaplan, Physician and Chairperson of the Family Physician Airways Group of Canada, Markham, Ontario, Canada; and Job F.M. Van Boven, Associate Professor of Cost-Effective & Sustainable Respiratory Drug Use, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands, explored the intricate relationships between adherence to prescribed treatments with spacers, symptom control and management, the carbon footprint, and economic burden on the healthcare system. They also introduced a novel, portable spacer that was designed to be used while on the go. Specifically, they discussed the performance of the portable spacer compared to the gold standard traditional spacer, pMDIs alone, and dry powder inhalers (DPI). Finally, summarising patient feedback and adherence data about the new portable spacer.