Running a nurse-led nebulizer clinic in a district general hospital

The widespread home use of nebulizers for delivering bronchodilating medication in patients with a variety of respiratory conditions is well documented, as is the lack of appropriate assessment before this form of treatment is prescribed (Cochrane et al, 1985). When it is considered that the use of nebulizers at home is increasing (Drug Information Bulletin, 1994), it is essential that appropriate assessment is undertaken in line with British Thoracic Society recommendations in order to ensure that the degree of benefit is sufficient to justify the inconvenience, potential dangers and high cost of nebulizer therapy in the home. This article examines a nurse-led nebulizer assessment clinic that was set up as part of a service for providing home nebulization for long-term use in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or chronic severe asthma.