What are the Hidden Risks Associated with Incorrect Inhaler Usage? (with live Q&A)

Inhalers play a central role in the management of respiratory conditions, with 73 million inhalers used annually in the UK.¹

Using pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) beyond the labelled number of actuations may cause ineffective dosing of medication, leading to poor clinical outcomes; whereas disposing of pMDIs with doses remaining has implications in terms of medicine wastage, healthcare costs and the environment.

A recent study (Murphy et al) demonstrated that many inhalers are returned underused or overused, with concerning implications for patient health and the environment. Furthermore, patients have poor knowledge in terms of recognising how many doses remained in pMDIs and how inhalers should be safely disposed.

Chiesi therefore welcomes two authors from this manuscript, Professor Will Carroll and Dr Anna Murphy to discuss the relevance of these findings, exploring the need for high-quality education to improve how efficiently patients use their inhalers and track the number of doses remaining.

Please join us virtually on Thursday 27th February 2025 at 6:30–7:30pm to hear the discussion and participate in a live Q&A session with the authors.

References

1. Taskforce for Lung Health. Inhaler Recycling: Reducing Environmental Impact and Enhancing Public Health. June 2024. https://www.taskforceforlunghealth.org.uk/inhaler-recycling-reducing-environmental-impact-and-enhancing-public-health/#:~:text=73%20million%20inhalers%20are%20prescribed%20in%
20the%20UK,to%20push%20the%20medicine%20out%20of%20the%20device.

If you are experiencing any issues viewing the webinar please click here to view the webinar through the Zoom platform.

• Professor Will Carroll

  Clinical and Academic Lead in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine

  Read biography
  Professor Will Carroll

  Clinical and Academic Lead in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine University Hospitals of the North Midlands

  Role and Location
  Will is an Honorary Reader in Child Health at Keele University and a Consultant Paediatrician at the Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke. He is currently the RCPCH Assistant Officer for Examinations, the Deputy Clinical Tutor for the University Hospitals of North Midlands, the Chief Editor of Paediatrics and Child Health and the co-editor of the widely used ‘Sunflower book’ with Tom Lissauer.

  Education
  – BA (Physiological Sciences)
  – BM BCh (Green College, Oxford)
  – MD

  Research Interests
  Faux-Nightingale A et al, Symptom patterns and life with post-acute COVID-19 in children aged 8-17 years: a mixed-methods study protocol. 2023. BJCP Open.

  Charles R, Brand RLP, Gilchrist FJ, Wildhaber J, Carroll W. 2022. Why are children with asthma bullied? A risk factor analysis. Arch Dis Child, 612-615, vol. 107 (6).

  Gilchrist F and Carroll WD. 2021. Chapter 17: Respiratory Disorders. In Illustrated Textbook of Paediatrics. Elsevier.

  Gilchrist FJ and Carroll WD. 2021. Managing chronic wet cough on children: another piece of the puzzle. Lancet Respir Med, 1078-1079. Vol. 9(10)

  Swift JA, Carroll WD, Gilchrist FJ. 2021. Single-centre survey of parents regarding the hidden burden of paediatric flexible bronchoscopy. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 1-2, vol.5 (1)

  Memberships
  Royal College of Paediatric and Child Health (RCPCH)

• Dr Anna Murphy

  Consultant Respiratory Pharmacist & Honorary Visiting Professor

  Read biography
  Dr Anna Murphy

  Consultant Respiratory Pharmacist & Honorary Visiting Professor University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust & DeMontfort University

  Role and Location

  Anna is an experienced Pharmacist with a demonstrated history of working in patient focused roles in both primary and secondary care. Skilled in Disease Management, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Medication Therapy Management, and Healthcare Management. National and international expert and opinion leader for Respiratory and pharmacy.

  Education

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (University of Manchester)
  • Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy (The School of Pharmacy, London)
  • Master of Science (MS), Clinical Pharmacy
  • Independent Prescribing (De Montfort University, Leicester)
  • Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) focused in Respiratory medicine (University of Derby)

  Research

  Inhaler resistance, sustainability, recycling, severe asthma.

  Memberships

  • Previous member (co-chair) Taskforce for Lung Health
  • Previous Visiting Professor, De Montfort University