Respiratory medication use in an Australian developmental disability clinic population: messages for health care professionals

Australian data suggest up to 15% of people with intellectual disability (ID) have asthma. The inhaled route of administration is optimal for the management of obstructive airways diseases; however, correct inhaler use requires dexterity and particular breathing patterns and potentially represents a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Australian journal of primary health 2014-01, Vol.20 (3), p.278-284
Main Authors: Davis, Sharon R, Durvasula, Seeta, Merhi, Diana, Young, Paul M, Traini, Daniela, Bosnic-Anticevich, Sinthia Z
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Administration, Inhalation
Adolescent
Adult
Adults
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Airway management
Airways
Ambulatory Care Facilities
Anti-Asthmatic Agents - administration & dosage
Asthma
Asthma - complications
Asthma - drug therapy
Australia
Breathing
Caregivers
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Clinical outcomes
Clinics
Cognitive deficits
Comorbidity
Developmental disabilities
Dexterity
Disability
Disabled
Diseases
Down syndrome
Drugs
Female
Glucocorticoids - administration & dosage
Group homes
Health Personnel
Health professionals
Humans
Intellectual Disability - complications
Intellectuals
Learning disabilities
Learning disabled people
Male
Medical records
Medical service
Middle Aged
Morbidity
Nebulizers and Vaporizers
Patients
Population
Prescribed
Primary care
Printed materials
Retrospective Studies
Studies
Young Adult
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Description
Summary:Australian data suggest up to 15% of people with intellectual disability (ID) have asthma. The inhaled route of administration is optimal for the management of obstructive airways diseases; however, correct inhaler use requires dexterity and particular breathing patterns and potentially represents a problem in this population due to physical and cognitive deficits. Understanding the nature and extent of inhaler use in persons with ID is important, as correct inhaler technique is imperative for optimal clinical outcomes; however, currently no evidence base exists to inform health professionals. This study describes respiratory medication use, reported prevalence of asthma, and asthma management practices undertaken in a clinic sample of Australian adults with ID. Results showed a prevalence of retrospectively reported asthma of 6%, with 86% of asthma patients prescribed inhaled medication. A review of patient records also indicated omission of some recommended asthma management strategies.
ISSN:1448-7527
1836-7399
DOI:10.1071/PY12153