An investigation into hospital prescribers' knowledge and confidence to provide high-quality, sustainable respiratory care

The number and range of inhaler combinations and brand names has increased significantly over recent years, making prescribing more complex. Inhalers contribute 3% of the NHS's carbon footprint, therefore appropriate inhaler prescribing, use and disposal could contribute significantly towards the NHS's target of net zero carbon emissions by 2040. We developed a survey to assess prescriber knowledge of inhaled medications, inhalation devices and environmental impacts of inhalers. One-hundred and two secondary care prescribers from one NHS trust responded. Knowledge of the contents and device types of inhalers, and of the environmental impacts of inhalers was lacking. Only 9% of respondents discuss the environmental impact of inhalers with patients and 13% have discussed inhaler disposal with patients, but 46% of respondents expressed that they would educate patients about the environmental impacts of inhalers if they were provided with education and support to do so.