Diverse Inhaler Devices: A Big Challenge for Health-Care Professionals

Abstract

BACKGROUND:The current variety of medication inhaler devices can be confusing to patients due to the many different delivery systems. Many health-care professionals who prescribe these devices may not be educated properly about the administration techniques for different inhalers. The objectives of this study were to evaluate various health-care providers' knowledge of specific inhaler devices and to assess their ability to retain this knowledge for a minimum period of 3 months. METHODS: This was a prospective study that included 4 different health-care professional groups (physicians, respiratory therapists, registered nurses, and pharmacists). All subjects underwent baseline written and practical tests. A checklist was developed for the practicum test for each inhaler on the correct delivery method. The written examination tested knowledge of 4 different inhaler techniques with true or false questions. Then subjects watched an instructional video that demonstrated the correct method of delivery for each device. Last, subjects were retested on the practicum and written tests after a minimum lapse of 3 months. RESULTS: The distribution of written and practical scores at baseline and postintervention was approximately normal (P > .05). The baseline written scores were significantly different across groups (P ‫؍‬ .002). The mean written score of respiratory therapists was significantly higher than those of registered nurses and physicians (P ‫؍‬ .02 and .01, respectively). Similarly, the baseline practical scores were significantly different across groups (P < .001). The mean practical score of respiratory therapists was significantly higher compared with those of registered nurses and physicians (P ‫؍‬ .002 and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We found a suboptimal number of medical professionals who have the proper knowledge base and technical skill to teach different inhaler device techniques. In order to increase the simplicity and effectiveness of delivering inhaler medication, we hope that the industry will provide more uniformity for future inhaler devices.

Results of a Pulmonologist Survey Regarding Knowledge and Practices With Inhalation Devices for COPD

“…These observations are consistent with several previous investigations, which documented that physicians need more education and training in both written and practical aspects of pMDI and DPI use. [15][16][17][18] The respondents perceived that SVNs were more efficacious than pMDIs or DPIs as the severity of the disease increased and after a COPD exacerbation. Likewise, respondents in a previous survey in France, which included pulmonologists, reported that they prescribed nebulizers to achieve greater efficacy and to administer high dosages, and because active involvement of the patients was not needed to obtain therapeutic benefits with nebulized drugs.…”

A Tablet-Based Multimedia Education Tool Improves Provider and Subject Knowledge of Inhaler Use Techniques

“…When compared with other providers, respiratory therapists have the highest inhaler knowledge scores and the best inhaler technique. 10,16,31,32 A recent study by Alismail et al 32 evaluated the use of inhaler education videos on both written and practical inhaler education tests in 4 groups of providers (respiratory therapists, pharmacists, nurses, and physicians). They found that respiratory therapists have the highest baseline written and practical scores, and their practical scores were the only scores to improve significantly after viewing inhaler education videos.…”

Lack of asthma and rhinitis control in general practitioner-managed patients prescribed fixed-dose combination therapy in Australia

“…Poor asthma control may be attributed to a broad range of inter-related factors many of which stem from patients having poor asthma knowledge, inadequate understanding of their therapy or misconceived health beliefs due to insufficient asthma education [10,11]. This, in turn, may reflect poor knowledge and skills of the health care professional (HCP) [12].…”