Table 4 Summary table of literature analysis, PICOT question 2: influence of device type for ICS therapy on asthma outcomes
Reference | Statement | Type of data source | Final level of evidence (see Fig. 1) | Possible impact on clinical practice (TF opinion) | Similar evidence available from RCTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price et al. [60] | One single device for maintenance treatment is better than mixed devices in terms of control and severe exacerbations | D-A | Moderate | Yes | No |
Thomas et al. [62] | Switching devices (DPI to pMDI or BAI or other DPI -BAI to pMDI or other BAI) is associated with poorer outcomes | D-M-A | Moderate | Yes | No |
Price et al. [61] | pMDI > DPI to administer FP/SAL, in terms of asthma outcomes | D-M-A | Moderate | Uncertain (cause?) | No |
Price et al. [34] | BAI and DPI better than pMDI for several asthma outcomes | D-A | Moderate | Uncertain (cause?) | No |