New asthma inhalers: FOI release

Information requested

1. How much is it costing the Scottish Government to roll out the dry powder asthma inhalers in Scotland? Breakdown of these costs (including cost of purchasing them, advertising etc.)

2. What, if any, risk assessment has been carried out for patients to replace their metered dose inhaler with the dry powder inhalers?

3. What consultation has the Scottish Government/NHS boards done with charities on introducing the new inhalers and could you supply copies of their responses?

4. How many dry powder inhalers will be rolled out in Scotland and is there any plans to cease importing/creating metered dose inhalers?

Response

1. How much is it costing the Scottish Government to roll out the dry powder asthma inhalers in Scotland? Breakdown of these costs (including cost of purchasing them, advertising etc.)

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

The Scottish Government does not plan to implement a complete switch from Metered Dose Inhalers to Dry Powder Inhalers. No-one will be asked to switch to medication that is not right for them or have their medication changed without their consent.

People with asthma will have regular medication reviews with their prescriber. As reviews are conducted on an individual basis using a person centred approach, we are unable to state the number of new Dry Powder Inhaler prescriptions or the overall cost. This will depend on the outcome of medication reviews that take place between the individual and their prescriber.

Any change to inhaler therapy would be done in a person centred review between the individual and their prescriber, taking into account a variety of factors to ensure optimal control of their condition. This may involve a change to a more environmentally friendly inhaler, but only when it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so. Prescribing decisions are ultimately matters for each clinician taking into account the individual circumstances and treatment needs of each patient.

This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

2. What, if any, risk assessment has been carried out for patients to replace their metered dose inhaler with the dry powder inhalers?

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

Prescribing decisions are ultimately matters for each prescriber taking into account the individual circumstances and treatment needs of each patient. Any change to inhaler therapy would be done in a person centred review between the individual and their prescriber, taking into account a variety of factors affecting their condition. It is at this point that a prescriber may suggest change to a more environmentally friendly inhaler, but only when it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so. Risk assessments are carried out at an individual level where individuals are supported by their healthcare professionals, taking a shared decision making approach, to ensure they are on the most effective, evidence based, therapy.

This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

3. What consultation has the Scottish Government/NHS boards done with charities on introducing the new inhalers and could you supply copies of their responses?

The Scottish Government has worked in partnership with patient groups, individuals who are experts by experience, third sector organisations and clinical experts across multidisciplinary teams from NHS Boards across Scotland to update the respiratory Quality Prescribing Guide. The Quality Prescribing Guide provides guidance to clinicians on how to improve control of respiratory conditions. The guide will build on what already works and encourage further quality improvements in the respiratory prescribing within NHS Scotland.

Scottish Government will be conducting a consultation on the draft guidance and welcomes comments from all interested parties.

4. How many dry powder inhalers will be rolled out in Scotland and is there any plans to cease importing/creating metered dose inhalers?

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

As medication reviews are conducted on an individual basis, the option of using a dry powder inhaler will be discussed with the individual, however this will not be suitable for all individuals. The number of new Dry Powder Inhalers prescribed will depend on the outcome of medication reviews that take place between individuals and prescribers. Metered Dose Inhalers will continue to be available for those who need them.

This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.