학술논문
Genuair® Usability Test: Results of a National Public Survey of the Elderly.
Document Type
Article
Author
Blasi, Francesco; Canonica, Giorgio Walter; Centanni, Stefano; Mereu, Carlo; Bernabei, Roberto; Paolisso, Giuseppe; Incalzi, Raffaele Antonelli; Corsico, Angelo; Di Marco, Fabiano; Milanese, Manlio; Pagano, Francesco; Santus, Pierachille; Scichilone, Nicola; Sumberesi, Massimo; Braido, Fulvio; Baiardini, Ilaria
Source
Subject
*INHALATION administration
*INHALERS
*MEDICAL care for older people
*RESPIRATORY therapy
*HEALTH outcome assessment
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Language
ISSN
1541-2555
Abstract
Proper use of inhaler devices may be problematic in elderly patients due to age-related difficulties. A survey was administered to elderly patients to investigate the usability of the Genuair® device and patients' subjective viewpoint on the device. A representative sample of the Italian population aged ≥ 65 years was completed with a pre-defined sample of 89 patients with hand arthritis/arthrosis. Of 526 respondents, 88 were not self-sufficient. Only the replies of the 438 self-sufficient respondents were analyzed. A total of 107 participants (24%) reported having respiratory diseases, and 81 of these (76%) were users of inhaler devices. After the first test, the device was considered “practical/handy” by 90% of patients and “easy to use” by 89%. After the second test, in which patients received a demonstration of the correct inhalation maneuver, the percentage of patients scoring ≥ 7 increased to 93% for the first characteristic and was confirmed for the second, with no differences between the groups in terms of age, educational level, use of devices, and presence of arthritis/arthrosis. The mean time to explain the inhaler technique and to perform a correct inhalation was 1'38"± 1'37", and 70% of the respondents required less than 2 minutes, with no differences between the groups in terms of age, education level, use of devices, and presence of arthritis/arthrosis. In conclusion, Genuair® was well accepted and easy to use in a representative sample of the Italian population aged ≥ 65 years. These characteristics make it a valid choice in the elderly, thus enabling patients to better cope with the problems and difficulties that are common to this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]