Perceptions and Attitudes of Patients and Their Family Caregivers on Nebulization Therapy for COPD

Harjit Dumra,1 Arjun Khanna,2 Sujeet K Madhukar,3 Meena Lopez,4 Jaideep Gogtay4 1Sparsh, Chest Disease Centre, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, India; 2Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Hospital and Research Institute, Faridabad, Haryana, India; 3Madhukar’s Clinic and Lung Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India; 4Medical Affairs Department, Cipla Ltd, Mumbai, Maharashtra, IndiaCorrespondence: Meena Lopez, Cipla Ltd, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Tel +91-22-23082891, Email meena@cipla.comPurpose: The aim of the survey was to evaluate attitudes and perceptions toward nebulization therapy for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Indian population.Patients and methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter, quantitative survey was conducted from July to August 2019 among 103 COPD patients [> 40 years, either gender, belonging to socio-economic class (SEC) A or SEC B] and their family caregivers. One-on-one interviews were conducted telephonically via an online survey platform (KoBo data collection tool) using a structured questionnaire. Patients receiving home nebulization were included, and the usage of nebulizers, satisfaction, and benefits and concerns with nebulizers were assessed.Results: Overall, 47% patients were on handheld inhalers + nebulizer, 54% used nebulizer for > 8 weeks, and 27% used nebulizers daily for home maintenance. Majority of the patients (77%) were satisfied with nebulization therapy. Around 70% family caregivers opined that the quality of life of COPD patients improved post-nebulization therapy. The benefits of nebulizers perceived by patients were easier breathing (89%), feeling of well-being (86%), and ease of use (86%), while family caregivers reported reduced hospitalization (76%) and easier breathing (75%). Among those with prior experience with inhalers, 72% felt nebulizers gave long-term relief, while 65% perceived having immediate relief compared to inhaler. Overall, 61% opined that benefits with nebulizers outweighed the inconvenien