Use of simulated patient approach to assess the community pharmacists′ knowledge of appropriate use of metered dose inhaler

Abstract

Rationale:The pharmacist charged with the responsibility of drug administration and counseling should have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to demonstrate the use of metered dose inhalers (MDIs) to asthma patients for the maximization of treatment outcomes.Objective:This study was designed to evaluate the community pharmacists’ knowledge of the appropriate use of MDIs in Anambra State, Nigeria.Methods:The study was carried out in two major cities in Anambra State, Nigeria, using 41 registered community pharmacists. A simulated patient approach utilizing two adequately trained pharmacy students were used. Obtained data were analyzed using independent t-test and one-way ANOVA through SPSS version 18.Results:The pharmacists had a mean demonstration score of 45.45%. Step number seven of the correct use of MDI, which involves breathing in and depressing the canister was the most demonstrated step (90.2%) while step 4 which involves tilting the head back slightly was the least demonstrated (14.6%) by the pharmacists. Among five identified critical steps in asthma guideline used, two were well demonstrated (75.6% and 90.2%): one averagely demonstrated (51.2%) and two poorly demonstrated (39% and 31.7%). Sociodemographic characteristics did not influence the demonstration ability of the pharmacists in this study.Conclusion:The study indicated that community pharmacists lacked the adequate knowledge of appropriate use of MDI. Training programs for pharmacists focusing on the use of such devices will enable them to educate patients on the effective use of MDIs in patients with asthma.

Competence in metered dose inhaler technique among community pharmacy professionals in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: Knowledge and skill gap analysis

“…Among essential steps, begin breath in slowly and actuate the canister once, were the most skipped step in our findings, which is quite comparable to the Ethiopian study in Mekele [ 20 ]. However, in the Nigerian study, this step was demonstrated usually by the practicing pharmacists (90.2%) [ 19 ]. While a study conducted in Iran revealed that “depressing the canister” was the repeatedly occurring error [ 3 ].…”

“…A study done in Nepal on nurses, physicians and pharmacists concluded as healthcare professionals MDI use were poor before intervention and intervention has took the lion share in changing the existing trend to a better practice [ 18 ]. A simulated client based study done in Nigeria generalized that community pharmacists lack the knowledge and skill of demonstrating basic steps in proper use of MDI [ 19 ]. In a study done in Mekelle, Ethiopia, MDI technique of pharmacy professionals was very limited [ 20 ].…”

Knowledge of spacer device, peak flow meter and inhaler technique (MDIs) among health care providers: an evaluation of doctors and nurses.

“…11,14 Previous attention has been largely on assessing patients' knowledge of inhaler technique, 10,15,16,17 in the management of asthma and achieving optimal asthma control, however there are few studies in Nigeria that evaluated the care givers' knowledge of inhaler technique. 18,19 The effectiveness of inhalers in the care of asthma and other airway disease is often dependent on proper knowledge and communication of the correct technique by the health care giver. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of doctors and nurses in a tertiary hospital in south-west Nigeria regarding spacer devices, peak flow meters and inhaler techniques.…”

<p>Assessment of Educational Inhaler Technique Interventions Among Community Pharmacists: A Systematic Review</p>

“…However, evidence has shown that many pharmacists and other healthcare professionals lack the skills necessary to appropriately counsel patients on inhaled devices. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Currently, it is unclear how inhaler technique of pharmacists can be enhanced; therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to focus on evaluating the effects of educational interventions on community pharmacists knowledge of inhaler technique.…”