Table 2.
Selected PICOT questions
| Question | Influence of adherence to ICS therapy on asthma outcomes | Influence of device type for ICS therapy on asthma outcomes | Influence of smoking on asthma outcomes in patients receiving ICS therapy | Influence of ICS particle size on asthma outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | Asthmatics of all ages prescribed regular maintenance ICS | Asthmatics of all ages prescribed regular maintenance ICS | Asthmatics of all ages prescribed regular maintenance ICS | Asthmatics of all ages prescribed regular maintenance ICS |
| Intervention | Adherence to recommended therapy | Different inhaler devices/delivery systems | Smokers | Extra-fine particles ICS |
| Comparison | Different levels of adherence (e.g. 0–25%, 25–50%, 50–75%, over 75%) | Different inhaler systems (pMDI, breath-activated MDI, DPI) for delivering the same molecule | Ex/non-smokers | Fine particles ICS |
| Outcomes | Exacerbations, admissions, symptoms, QOL | Exacerbations, admissions, symptoms, QOL | Exacerbations, admissions, symptoms, QOL | Exacerbations, admissions, symptoms, QOL |
| Time frame | ≥ 12 months | ≥ 12 months | ≥ 12 months | ≥ 12 months |