Clinical Research Directory

Perception of the Benefits and Effectiveness of Inhalation Therapy in Patients With Obstructive Dyspnea

Sponsor: Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA

Summary

Obstructive ventilatory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pulmonary emphysema, are chronic conditions characterized by progressive airflow limitation and worsening dyspnea, leading to increasing restrictions in daily activities and quality of life. Although these diseases are not curable, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can slow disease progression, reduce exacerbations, and preserve functional capacity and well-being. Adherence to prescribed inhaled therapies is therefore essential from the earliest stages of the disease. However, both clinical experience and published evidence suggest that many patients with COPD and asthma experience poor disease control, relapses, and exacerbations due to inadequate inhaler use and suboptimal treatment adherence. Previous research has explored treatment satisfaction among patients with COPD and examined perceptions and beliefs regarding pharmacological therapies in other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, depression, and autoimmune diseases. Studies have also highlighted the importance of adopting a patient-centered approach when selecting inhaler devices based on individual patient characteristics. Nevertheless, little is known about how patients with obstructive ventilatory disorders perceive inhaled therapies and their role in disease management. The aim of this study is to investigate patients' perceptions of inhalation therapy, focusing on factors that influence its use, the value attributed to inhaled medications, preferences regarding the route of administration, awareness of the underlying disease, perceived barriers to treatment, and beliefs about medications in general. Understanding how patients perceive both the treatment and its route of administration is a key component of patient engagement, which emphasizes patients' active involvement in managing their health and healthcare pathway. Currently, no validated tools, either internationally or in Italian, are specifically designed to assess perceptions of the usefulness and effectiveness of inhalation therapy in patients with obstructive ventilatory disorders. This study therefore aims to address an important gap in the literature and support the development of more patient-centered therapeutic strategies.

Official title: A Survey on the Perception of the Benefits and Effectiveness of Inhalation Therapy in Patients With Obstructive Dyspnea

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