RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 An investigation into hospital prescribers' knowledge and confidence to provide high-quality, sustainable respiratory care
JF Future Healthcare Journal
JO Future Healthc J
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP e272
OP e276
DO 10.7861/fhj.2020-0251
VO 8
IS 2
A1 Walpole, Sarah C
A1 Smith, Katherine
A1 McElvaney, Joseph
A1 Taylor, Jill
A1 Doe, Simon
A1 Tedd, Hilary
YR 2021
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/8/2/e272.abstract
AB The number and range of inhaler combinations and brand names has increased significantly over recent years, making prescribing more complex. Inhalers contribute 3% of the NHS's carbon footprint, therefore appropriate inhaler prescribing, use and disposal could contribute significantly towards the NHS's target of net zero carbon emissions by 2040.We developed a survey to assess prescriber knowledge of inhaled medications, inhalation devices and environmental impacts of inhalers. One-hundred and two secondary care prescribers from one NHS trust responded. Knowledge of the contents and device types of inhalers, and of the environmental impacts of inhalers was lacking. Only 9% of respondents discuss the environmental impact of inhalers with patients and 13% have discussed inhaler disposal with patients, but 46% of respondents expressed that they would educate patients about the environmental impacts of inhalers if they were provided with education and support to do so.