Fixkoh Airmaster Case Study

Summary

This project facilitated a change in medication to Fixkoh Airmaster dry powder inhaler range for over 900 patients, achieving a 90% success rate (against a target of 75%) and saving the Health Board approximately £100,000 per year (the annualised saving at the conclusion of the project).

Background

The Health Board had previously not been inclined to move patients in this cohort due to lack of choice of equivalent strengths of alternative inhalers. Fixkoh Airmaster facilitated the possibility of moving a significant number to a single device type across all three strengths of the inhaler range (mcg: Salmeterol/Fluticasone – 50/100, 50/250, 50/500).

Impact on pharmacotherapy workload

An important factor in the decision to proceed was the Health Board’s commitment to pharmacotherapy, which prioritises workforce issues and support for GP workloads, as well as achieving cost efficiencies. Fixkoh Airmaster was seen by the Health Board as supportive of this objective due to potential cost savings, coupled with relatively low patient numbers which would not significantly impact on the existing pharmacotherapy workload.

Patient acceptability

Demonstration inhalers were offered to patients and also provided to community pharmacies for patient assistance. Few objections were received from patients, partly because the devices used were similar, though for a small number of patients some dexterity issues with the new device were identified and addressed.

Carbon footprint considerations

A further consideration was the impact of change on the Health Board’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, where possible. However, as the move was from one dry powder inhaler to another, there was no significant environmental impact.

Conclusion and main outcomes

The project demonstrated that a pro-active approach to medicines management, initiated and adopted by the Health Board, delivered significant cost savings to the NHS and also supported the Health Board’s commitment to pharmacotherapy (prioritising workforce issues and support for GP workloads).

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