Investigating the effects of switching inhalers on health and the environment for veterans

Veterans Affairs Study of a Real-World Inhaler Delivery Device Transition on Climate and Health Outcomes (VA-SWITCH)

NIH-funded research Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10950337

This study is looking at how switching from metered-dose inhalers to dry-powder inhalers can help veterans with breathing problems like asthma and COPD, and it wants to find out how well these inhalers work and their impact on the environment.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Health Administration NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10950337 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines how changing from metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) to dry-powder inhalers (DPIs) affects the health of veterans with respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It aims to gather real-world data on the effectiveness of these inhalers and their environmental impact, particularly in light of recent changes in inhaler availability. By analyzing patient outcomes and factors influencing successful transitions between inhaler types, the study seeks to provide evidence-based guidelines for better clinical decision-making.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 21 and older who are currently using inhalers for asthma or COPD.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use inhalers or have respiratory conditions that do not require inhaler therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved inhaler options that enhance respiratory health while also reducing environmental harm.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in evaluating inhaler effectiveness, but this specific approach of assessing environmental impacts alongside clinical outcomes is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.