Investigating the effects of switching inhalers on health and the environment for veterans
Official title: Veterans Affairs Study of a Real-World Inhaler Delivery Device Transition on Climate and Health Outcomes (VA-SWITCH)
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10950337 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003774-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950337 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 21 and older who are currently using inhalers for asthma or COPD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use inhalers or have respiratory conditions that do not require inhaler therapy may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Veterans Health Administration
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prescott, Hallie Christine — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Prescott, Hallie Christine
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.