Survey of patients' views of domiciliary nebuliser treatment for chronic lung disease

There is some controversy amongst respiratory physicians over the value of domiciliary nebuliser use for chronic lung conditions. Most recommendations for assessment of suitability for this form of treatment rely upon response to lung function tests and reported improvements in exercise ability Relatively little emphasis has been placed upon the patient view of this therapy. This survey examined the subjective views of patients receiving domiciliary nebulisers regarding this treatment. A postal questionnaire was sent to 82 patients using home nebuliser treatment provided by the respiratory clinic at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London. It consisted of 29 structured questions covering topics of well-being and symptom control, self-confidence, dependency, time and technical issues, as well as side effects and compliance. Most patients surveyed had chronic obstructive lung disease. For almost all sections of the questionnaire patients reported overwhelmingly that the benefits of using a nebuliser outweighed potential disadvantages. The main perceived advantages were the ability for patients themselves to control symptoms and to be less dependent on General Practitioners, hospitals and carers. Compliance was generally excellent, and the reported side effects were minor and relatively infrequent. The results strongly support the view that nebulisers are helpful in managing chronic lung disease in the community, with benefit to patient well-being and potential health cost savings. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.