Background Inhaled antibiotics are increasingly used in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis as off-label treatment, without quantifiable effectiveness. Patients’perspective is an important part of healthcare quality. Due to internal procedures the pharmacy service supervises off-label treatments.

Purpose To explore in a group of patients suffering from bronchiectasis, their perception of their last year and their current health status.

Materials and methods Prospective study based on a survey given to patients treated with inhaled colistimethate for last year at least. Surveys were delivered between October 2012 and June 2013 containing 10 items about their current health status and the perceived changes in their physical and mental health during last year. A four-point scale was used for all questions (1 = never/poor health; 2 = sometimes/regular health; 3 = usually/good health; 4 = always/very good health). Colistimethate was dispensed once a month at the pharmacy service and the procedure for completing the survey was explained by a clinical pharmacist. The questionnaire could be completed by the patient himself or by a caregiver.

Results 97 questionnaires were delivered, 67 (69%) were returned: 40 (41%) were useful and 27 weren’t completely filled in. Mean age was 72 years (32–93).

82.5% of patients referred to having bad or moderate health, however 52% believed their health was better than the previous year.

During the last year 48% of patients had to reduce the working time (always) and 78% had less activity than desired (always) while 43% never or sometimes had difficulty performing certain activities. 72% had a perception of bad or very bad health, and almost all (95%) believed that their health was going to get worse. Relating to mental health 93% felt calm and quiet and only 40% never had moments of discouragement or depression.

Conclusions It’s difficult to measure health benefits in chronic degenerative diseases. Despite their situation half of our patients believed their health had improved during last year.

No conflict of interest.