New study to see if prescribing influenced by inhalers’ big carbon footprint

Most inhalers used in the UK contain propellants that are powerful greenhouse gases. The REDUCE Carbon study will find out if healthcare professionals take this into account when prescribing them.

Researchers in Southampton and Portsmouth are working together, through the Wessex Asthma Network, to deliver a new study assessing the influence of carbon footprint on inhaler prescribing.

Big environmental impact

In the UK, over 50 million inhalers are prescribed each year. More than 70% of these contain propellants that are powerful greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming.

Inhalers account for about 3% of the carbon footprint of the NHS each year. This is equivalent to an area of deforestation twice the size of Hampshire.

The NHS long term plan for sustainability has highlighted an urgent need to reduce the carbon impact of inhalers.

Do healthcare professionals consider inhalers’ carbon footprint?

The REDUCE Carbon study will ask healthcare professionals how they decide which inhaler to prescribe. It will assess whether information on carbon footprint would affect their decision.

It is a short online questionnaire that should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. As both prescribing and non-prescribing healthcare professionals have a major influence on inhaler choice, all healthcare professionals are being asked to take part.

Taking part

Healthcare professionals in Southampton are invited to complete the short questionnaire. This will provide valuable information to support the NHS in reducing the use of high carbon inhalers, and so help in the fight to save our planet.

Visit the REDUCE Carbon study website to take part.

Please contact the lead team at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust at respiratory.research@porthosp.nhs.uk or call 02392 286000 for more information.