The Reliever Reliance Test: a pilot study evaluating a pragmatic tool to address SABA over-reliance in a primary care setting

Le résumé fourni par la source

Background: Over-use and over-reliance on short-acting beta2 agonists (SABA) is associated with poor asthma control and greater risk of exacerbations and death. Identifying and addressing patient beliefs associated with SABA over-reliance is key to reducing over-use. The Reliever Reliance Test (RRT) is a pragmatic, self-test tool designed to identify and address these beliefs. Aim: To assess the feasibility and potential impact of delivering the RRT in a UK primary care setting. Methods: Patients with asthma were identified through two primary care practices in North West London. Patients with potential SABA over-use or uncontrolled asthma were invited to complete the RRT online. Those that completed the RRT were invited to take part in a service evaluation to assess their feedback on the service. Results: Of 108 eligible patients, 94 were sent the RRT. 24 people (26%) completed the RRT. Of these, 13 (26%) were classed as high risk of over-reliance, 8 (33%) at medium risk and 3 (13%) at low risk of over-reliance. 63% of high risk patients said they intended to visit their doctor to discuss their treatment. Of those that completed the service evaluation, 79% said the service was helpful and 64% said it made them feel differently about their SABA. Conclusions: This pilot real-world study demonstrates that the RRT is a feasible tool to use in primary care, with around a quarter of patients using the tool, and almost two thirds intending to change their behaviour as a result. Research is now needed to explore the extent to which it will change behaviour.

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