IMPACT Survey
A Survey to Understand Physicians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Inhaler Disposal and Environmental Impact
DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Name of the Healthcare Professional:
Specialty:
Pulmonologist
Cardiologist
Consulting physician
General physician
Pediatrician
Internal Medicine
ENT
Others (Please specify)
Highest qualification:
MBBS
MD
DM
DNB
DCH
Others (please specify)
Years in practice:
<5 years
5–10 years
10–20 years
20-30 years
>30 years
Practice setting:
Private Clinic
Corporate Hospital
Government/Teaching Institute
Place of practice:
Average number of asthma seen per month:
<10
10-20
21–50
51–100
101-150
>150
Average number of OAD patients (COPD + Asthma) seen per month:
<10
10-20
21–50
51–100
101-150
>150
1. How important do you think proper inhaler disposal is for reducing environmental harm?
Not at all important – I do not see any relevance
Slightly important – It might matter, but not a priority
Moderately important – It should be considered, but not urgent
Very important – It is a significant aspect of healthcare practice
Extremely important – It increases greenhouse emissions and should be prioritized
2. In your opinion, which of the following statements about inhaler disposal is correct?
Inhalers are biodegradable and decompose within a few years
Inhalers take approximately 270 years to decompose in landfills
Inhalers have no significant environmental impact
I am not sure
3. Do you routinely advise patients on how to dispose their used inhalers?
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
4. Which of the following in your opinion is the correct way to dispose used inhalers?
Throw in regular household waste
Return to pharmacy/ clinic for safe disposal with biomedical waste
Recycle with plastic waste
I am not aware of the right method
Others (please specify)
5. In your opinion, who should be responsible for educating patients about inhaler disposal? (Select all that apply)
Prescribing clinician
Pharmacist
Manufacturer
Patient themselves
Nurses
Others (please specify)
6. What barriers prevent you from advising patients on inhaler disposal? (Select all that apply)
Lack of time
Patients don't ask
Lack of local or regional recommendations on correct disposal of inhalers
Never considered this aspect important
Others (please specify)
7. Would you be willing to include inhaler disposal education in your routine practice if resources were provided?
Yes
No
8. What would encourage you to incorporate inhaler disposal training into your clinical practice? (Select all that apply)
Clear national guidelines/ consensus statement on inhaler disposal
Availability of industry-led disposal programs such as setting up hospital/ in-clinic bins
Availability of patient education materials (leaflets, posters, videos)
Training sessions or CME programs on environmental impact and disposal methods
Easy access to pharmacy-led disposal programs for patients
Evidence showing significant environmental benefits of proper disposal
Integration of inhaler disposal into electronic prescribing systems or discharge instructions
Recognition for sustainable practices
Incentives for patients returning their used inhalers
Others (please specify)
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