App users lead the way in switching to more sustainable inhalers. – ICST

App users lead the way in switching to more sustainable inhalers.

Patients who use the respiratory apps are 37% more likely to be using Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) than the general patient population.

  48%* of inhalers used by patients on the app are Dry Powder Inhalers, surpassing the current Welsh average of 35% / England average of 30%

More impressive- 68% of inhalers used by MART patients on the app are DPIs.

App users are close to surpassing NHS England’s 2030 target of 50% DPIs .

NHS Wales has set an ambitious target for 80% of inhalers prescribed to be DPIs by 2025. We are leading the way on this.

Why is this important?

Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) have been widely used as a delivery mechanism for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) medications. This prescribing behaviour has remained unchanged for many decades. However, MDIs contribute to environmental pollution due to their reliance on potent greenhouse gases.

By encouraging the adoption of an alternative delivery mechanism, Dry Powder Inhalers, found to be as effective as MDIs with a much lower carbon footprint, substantial strides are made towards achieving the Green Agenda Prescribing goals.

How have we achieved this?

These outcomes were achieved through the national implementation of a comprehensive population behaviour change system utilising patient apps and a broader respiratory toolkit, including live events, email communications, and tutorials.

*Percentage based on all current users of the apps.

Make sure that your patients benefit from the apps. Take advantage of the resources provided on the All Wales Platform, text out to your patients and incorporate the apps into your practice.

© Institute of Clinical Science and Technology (ICST) 2020 Support: support@icst.org.uk