The sustainability agenda and inhaled therapy: what do patients want?
G d’Ancona, Andrew Cumella, Charlotte Renwick, Samantha Walker
Abstract
In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) identified that inhalers contributed 3% of NHS carbon emissions and aims to substitute high-carbon metered dose inhalers (MDIs) with low-carbon alternatives. Understanding how patients feel about this will be vital to enable it to happen without disrupting their care, so we sought to understand their knowledge of, or attitudes towards, such a change. In summer 2020, asthma patients were asked about their knowledge of and attitudes towards the carbon footprint of MDIs, via social media and email, as part of an Annual Asthma Survey. 12,145 patients/carers replied (82% female, 80% aged 30-69 years and 96% Caucasian). 65% were unaware of the carbon footprint of MDIs, but 60% of MDI users would consider changing device for environmental reasons. 85% thought asthma patients should be encouraged to use more environmentally friendly inhalers. Important considerations for patients switching inhalers were: the new inhaler was efficacious, easy to use and fitted their routine, and that they could change back if needed (table 1). In a large survey of UK asthma patients, we found many people with asthma were unaware of the carbon footprint of their inhalers, but most would be willing to try a more environmentally friendly device. Alongside optimising care, clinicians should have informed discussions with asthma patients about the environmental impact of inhalers and support them to switch where appropriate.