The bigger picture

In 2019, the NHS Long Term Plan set out a commitment for the NHS to reduce its carbon footprint. Inhalers account for more than three per cent of the total NHS carbon footprint, most of which comes from the propellants used in pMDIs, rather than the inhaler device or medication itself. In the switch of these inhalers, over 10kg of CO2 equivalent is saved per device.1

The Investment and Impact Fund (IIF) is an incentive scheme focused on supporting PCNs to deliver high quality care to their population, and the delivery of the priority objectives articulated in the NHS Long Term Plan.2 In 2022/23, the carbon footprint of inhalers is included. As such, many patients will see changes to their inhaler devices, although this should happen as part of a shared decision making consultation.

Up to 90 per cent of patients using pMDIs and 54 per cent using DPIs use their inhalers incorrectly. Doing so can lead to reduced drug deposition in the lungs and may lead to poor asthma control, reduced quality of life and increased emergency hospital admissions.3 It is important to check inhaler technique regularly, especially when a new device is prescribed.