Table 4.

Findings of inductive content analysis of inhaler preference responses of interview participants with asthma

Relevant emergent themes (no. of patients reporting)	Clusters within theme (no. of raw mentions)	Relevant quotations to illustrate theme
A – DISKUS (N = 21)
Simpler and one less step (13)	Ease of use (5)	“Simply open, inhale, and close”
		“Easy and fool proof”
	Less steps or one step (4)	“One less movement, don’t need to slide that lever over”
		“It’s one less step”
	Simplicity of use (4)	“Simple, we have enough complexity in our lives”
		“Intuitive, easy to figure out how to use”
Size and ease of handling (10)	Smaller, more compact (7)	“I like the size, it’s smaller”
	Fits hand / grip (5)	“Fits in my hand more comfortably”
		“I like the grooves so it’s not slippery”
Portability and storage (9)	Carries / packs well (8)	“Small, it fits in my shirt pocket”
		“Easy to carry in a pocket”
	Stores well (4)	“It’s easy to store because it stands up”
		“It takes up less space”
Mouthpiece (8)	Better seal, ensures delivery (6)	“With this mouthpiece I don’t worry about getting my medicine”
		“With lip seal I feel I’m getting the full benefit of the medicine”
	Comfortable size/shape (3)	“The shape makes the mouthpiece more comfortable”
		“Mouthpiece is ergonomically designed”
Counter (7)	Size (5)	“I like the size of the numbers”
		“Main reason is the big counter”
	Easy to see (3)	“I don’t have to squint to see the numbers”
Color (4)	Bland / dislike (3)	“The color doesn’t stand out”
	Diskus is better color (1)	“Purple is easier to find and helps me to remember to use”
B – MDI (N = 10)
Coordination (8)	No timing inhalation (4)	“I don’t have to worry about timing”
		“I have more control over getting the medication”
	Does not propel the medication (4)	“It doesn’t shoot out the medicine”
		“I like the propellant because it pushes the medicine where it needs to be”
Mouthpiece (5)	Good fit / good seal (3)	“Fit my mouth well”
		“Fit well”
	Mouthpiece size (2)	“It’s not a bulky size”
Ease of Use (5)	Ease (4)	“Very easy to use”
		“Well thought out to make it easy”
	Intuitive (1)	“Very easy and obvious what to do”
Dose counter (4)	Plan and keep track of doses (2)	“Counter helps me to plan ahead”
	Easy to read counter (2)	“I like the counter is better, it’s bigger and easier to read”
One piece cover (3)	One piece construction (2)	“Cover is attached and I can’t lose it”
	Sanitary (1)	“Covers the mouthpiece to keep it clean”

Patients who were using A) DISKUS, B) MDI to deliver their current medication.