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Errors in the Use of Inhalers by Health Care Professionals: A Systematic Review
Vicente Plaza1, Jordi Giner1, Gustavo J Rodrigo2
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. in Practice
|January 23, 2018
Summary
Health care professionals (HCPs) demonstrate poor inhaler technique (IT) knowledge, with correct usage in only 15.5% of cases. This deficiency hinders their ability to educate patients on proper medication delivery.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Health Professions Education
Background:
- Inefficient inhaler technique (IT) compromises medication delivery.
- Health care professionals' (HCPs) knowledge of IT has been under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review studies assessing HCPs' IT proficiency with pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs).
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies published between 1975 and 2014.
- Inclusion of studies directly assessing HCPs' IT skills.
- Data extraction from 55 studies involving 6,304 HCPs.
Main Results:
- Overall correct IT was observed in 15.5% of cases, declining over time.
- Common pMDI errors included incomplete exhalation and poor coordination.
- Common DPI errors involved inadequate preparation and incomplete exhalation.
Conclusions:
- HCPs exhibit inadequate knowledge of proper inhaler use.
- This knowledge gap impedes HCPs' ability to assess and teach patients correct inhalation techniques.
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