Clinical Practice of Nebulized Therapy in China: A National Questionnaire Survey

Background: Despite having been used in the clinical practice of respiratory diseases for decades in China, the overall description of nebulized therapy has not been reported to date. The purpose of this study was to investigate the basic characteristics and information on the application of nebulized therapy in the clinical practice of respiratory diseases in China. Methods: A questionnaire survey with 17 questions relating to nebulized therapy was carried out in three levels (tertiary, secondary, and primary) of hospitals throughout mainland China. The perspectives of various professional degrees of the medical staffs from different levels of hospitals were further studied. Results: A total of 6,449 effective questionnaires were collected from 1,328 hospitals or clinics located in 27 provinces or autonomous regions of mainland China. Nebulized therapy was applied in 91.1% of the hospitals, significantly more in tertiary and secondary levels of hospitals than in the primary level of hospitals. Jet and ultrasonic nebulizers were used in 53.3% and 47.7% of the hospitals, respectively. Only 50.8% of the responders identified the brands of the devices. 82.5 Percent of the responders had prescribed nebulized therapy. 68.8 Percent and 41.5% of responders agreed that nebulized therapy can be used for the treatment of asthma and COPD, respectively. 86.5 Percent of responders agreed that nebulized therapy can be used for patients with acute exacerbation, whereas 27.5% stated that it can be used for stable patients. The most commonly used medicines were short-acting bronchodilators, followed by corticosteroids, mucolytics, and antibiotics. 17.2 Percent of the responders reported adverse events of nebulized therapy experienced by the patients. Continuous medical education and training on nebulized therapy were required by 72.1% of responders. Conclusions: The present national survey, firstly, provided the basic characteristics and information on the application of nebulizer therapy in the clinical practice of respiratory diseases in China. Certainly, this will help facilitate nebulized therapy, especially in the community hospitals. Continuous medical education and technical training are essential to improve the clinical application of nebulized therapy.