Abstract |
Introduction: Correct technique with a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) equipped with a valved holding chamber (VHC) or spacer provides an important advantage for adequate control of asthma and virus-induced wheezing in young children. The aim of this study was to assess the ability and knowledge of physicians and nurses to use a pMDI with a masked VHC in two pediatric emergency units.Methods: Study design: Two-center observational study. Inhaler use technique was assessed in 50 physicians and 50 nurses using a child mannequin and a validated videotaped nine-step scoring method. The participants' knowledge was evaluated by a questionnaire.Results: The inhalation technique was perfectly mastered by 49% of the study participants and almost perfectly mastered by another 34% (mean score 8.3 ± 0.7; range 5-9). Nurses were more likely than doctors to demonstrate the technique perfectly (66% vs. 32%, p < 0.05). The two most common errors were forgetting to shake the pMDI between two consecutive puffs (38% of the participants) and putting the patient in an incorrect position (11%). About half of the participants reported that they checked each patient's inhalation technique at every opportunity and knew how to clean the VHC. A large majority did not employ a reliable method to determine the amount of medication remaining in pMDIs without a counter.Conclusion: Healthcare professionals' practical skills and knowledge on inhalation therapy were not completely mastered and could be improved with a mandatory training program.
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Authors | Stéphanie Spaggiari, Mario Gehri, Laurence Di Benedetto, Gaudenz M Hafen, Jean-Yves Pauchard, Alain Gervaix, André Pannatier, Farshid Sadeghipour, Ermindo R Di Paolo |
Journal | The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma
(J Asthma)
Vol. 58
Issue 2
Pg. 190-196
(02 2021)
ISSN: 1532-4303 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 31566459
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Observational Study)
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Topics |
- Administration, Inhalation
- Adult
- Asthma
(drug therapy)
- Emergency Service, Hospital
- Female
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Hospitals, Pediatric
- Humans
- Inhalation Spacers
- Male
- Manikins
- Metered Dose Inhalers
- Middle Aged
- Nurses
(standards)
- Physicians
(standards)
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