چکیده (انگلیسی):

Background: There is no systematic analysis to identify problems involved with instruction on inhalation
therapy for elderly patients. We conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey for patients and medical
professionals.
Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted of adult patients on inhaled drugs (ages 18e92 years,
820 individuals) and medical professionals (pharmacists or nurses) who provided instruction on inhalation
therapy to these patients in 23 institutions in Japan to investigate the technique and the level of
understanding (knowledge) of the inhalation therapy. Changes in the recognition of performance of
inhalation technique and inhalation knowledge with increasing age were analyzed.
Results: According to patients' subjective assessment, there was no deterioration in the performance of
the inhalation technique or loss of the knowledge with increasing age. On the other hand, medical
professionals' objective assessment revealed a significant loss of both inhalation technique and knowledge
with increasing age. Not many elderly patients noticed their own problems themselves, revealing a
great perception gap between elderly patients and medical professionals. Thus, there was concern that
patients would unconsciously practice the inhalation procedure improperly. On the other hand, in
comparison with non-elderly patients, elderly patients were less resistant to continuation of therapy,
suggesting that they would be more likely to accept instruction on inhalation therapy.