Objectives: The primary objective of the ADVANTAGE study was to compare device-naïve chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients' perception of the Breezhaler® and Ellipta® devices' feedback mechanisms of dose delivery confirmation. The secondary objective was to assess comfort with the inhalers' mouthpiece in terms of ease to form a tight seal around the mouthpiece. These objectives were achieved by using a novel, patient perception of inhaler questionnaire developed and tested during cognitive interviews of patients by Evidera, London, United Kingdom.
Methods: Ten COPD patients were interviewed to collect feedback on the interpretation, relevance and language of the questionnaire. This questionnaire was then used in ADVANTAGE to compare patients' perception (n = 100) of both devices. Patients completed the questionnaire after a single inhalation of placebo through each inhaler.
Results: Using the final questionnaire, patients reported being more confident of the feedback mechanism of Breezhaler than that of the Ellipta device (mean score 4.3 versus 3.6 respectively, estimated difference [95% CI]: 0.75 [0.51, 0.99], p < .0001). Patients also reported better comfort (ease to form a tight seal with the lips) with the Breezhaler mouthpiece than the Ellipta mouthpiece (mean score 4.3 versus 3.9 respectively, estimated difference [95% CI]: 0.41 [0.21, 0.61], p < .0001). There were no safety concerns associated with either device.
Conclusion: COPD patients showed greater preference for the Breezhaler over the Ellipta inhaler for confidence of dose delivery and comfort of the mouthpiece.
Trial registration: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02551224).
Keywords: Breezehaler; COPD; device; dry powder inhaler; feedback mechanism.