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New guidance from the UK Inhaler Group (UKIG) seeks to address “long-standing inconsistencies” in how spacers are prescribed across the NHS.

The publication of UKIG’s new Consensus Guide follows a recent survey that found just one in 10 respiratory health professionals believe spacer prescribing is handled consistently throughout the health service.

The guide provides a practical framework for spacer prescription, including advice on their compatibility with pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) and on technique and maintenance.

UKIG said there has been a 25 per cent increase in deaths from asthma in the last decade, with up to two-thirds of these thought to have been avoidable “with better basic care”.

Deborah Leese, respiratory lead pharmacist with South Yorkshire ICB, said: “For the millions of patients in the UK using pMDIs, a spacer will improve medication delivery, reduce side effects and support proper inhaler technique. This ultimately means better asthma control.

“Everyone using a pMDI should be using a spacer too. Speaking personally, it’s very rare for me to see somebody who can actually use a pMDI correctly. We need to strengthen prescribing practices in the UK when it comes to respiratory conditions requiring pMDI inhalers.”

Dr Katherine Hickman, a GP and primary care clinical lead for the National Respiratory Audit Programme, helped oversee the creation of the guide.

Dr Hickman commented: “Spacer devices play a critical role in asthma care, mitigating technique, coordination and throat deposition issues, which we know impacts both adults and children.

“In fact, it is estimated that 80 per cent of people have incorrect inhaler technique.

“We are urging colleagues across the system, plus GPs and pharmacists, to recognise that it’s critically important to provide the right spacer for the right inhaler, and for the right patient.

“My key message to healthcare professionals is ‘you wouldn't give patients a tablet they can't swallow – likewise you shouldn't issue a pMDI without a spacer’.

The consensus guide was supported by a grant from spacer manufacturer Trudell Medical, which said it had no input on the guide’s contents.