Health-care Resource Requirements and Potential Financial Consequences of an Environmentally Driven Switch in Respiratory Inhaler Use in England

Background: To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, national initiatives advocate the phasing down of respiratory inhalers that use a fluorinated as propellant (pressurised metered-dose [pMDI]). Nevertheless, pMDIs continue to be an effective and common choice. Objective: assess potential financial impact patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) switching from dry powder (DPIs) in representative primary care network (PCN) population 50 000 English National Health Service (NHS). Methods: Epidemiological data were combined current inhaler patterns estimate resources costs associated this transition, varying patient acceptance scenarios. Results: Depending on approach, resource requirements ranged £18 – £53 for PCN, £21 £60 million NHS. Discussion: Significant funds are needed successfully manage targeted transitions, together counselling follow-up appointment appropriately skilled clinician patient’s technique ensure control. Conclusions: Targeted transition must achieve balance between environmental impacts, organisational factors, requirements. The managing switch can substantial but necessary counsel support patients, whilst protecting environment.