Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Intratracheal Administration of Dry Powder Formulation in Mice
Published on: July 25, 2020
Effects of modifying visual inhaler spacer usage instructions on correct usage rate of untrained users
Erdem Topal1, Mustafa Arga2, Hakan Özmen3
1Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey.
Background:
Pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) used with spacers are considered the method of choice for delivery of inhaled drugs in preschool-age children. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of modifying the visual inhaler spacer usage guidelines on the correct usage rate.
Methods:
The parents and caregivers of patients <6 years old who were prescribed inhalers with spacers for the first time were included in our study. The participants were randomly divided into a modified visual inhaler spacer usage guidelines group and an unmodified visual inhaler spacer usage guidelines group. All study participants underwent face-to-face interviews and completed questionnaires.
Results:
A total of 510 participants with a median age of 31 (range, 20-46) years were included in this study. The modified visual guidelines group included 254 (49.6%) participants, and the unmodified visual guidelines group included 256 (50.4%) participants. One hundred sixty-five (65.2%) of the 254 participants in the modified visual guidelines group correctly demonstrated the inhaler spacer technique. In contrast, only 21 (8.2%) of the 256 participants in the unmodified visual guidelines group correctly demonstrated the inhaler spacer technique (p < 0.001). When comparing the inhaler spacer usage steps between the 2 groups, the modified visual guidelines group demonstrated the steps more correctly and more quickly (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
The current visual inhaler spacer usage guidelines are insufficient. We believe that improving the visual inhaler spacer usage guidelines, in particular, will increase the correct usage rate and decrease the number of usage errors.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Inhaled Medications
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:30Administering Oxygen by Mask
Administering oxygen by mask is a common nursing intervention that provides supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory distress or chronic lung conditions. This procedure involves delivering oxygen at a specified rate through a face mask connected to an oxygen source.
Equipment
The equipment necessary for this procedure includes:
01:29Administering Oxygen by Nasal Cannula
Nasal Cannulas
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split into two prongs placed in the nostrils,...
01:26Oxygen Delivering System I: Nasal Cannula and Face Mask
Nasal Cannula
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split at one end into two prongs and placed in the nostrils. It is typically used to deliver low to medium levels of oxygen.
Suggested flow rate: The suggested flow rate for a nasal cannula typically ranges between 1 and 6 L/min.
Oxygen percentage setting:...