Pharmacist knowledge and ability to use inhaled medication delivery systems

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Patient Education

Background:

• Metered dose inhaler (MDI) use is challenging for many patients and physicians.
• Pharmacists are considered potential educators for improving inhaler technique.
• Limited data exists on pharmacists' proficiency with various inhaled devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate pharmacists' knowledge and practical skills with conventional MDIs, Aerochambers, and Turbuhalers.
• To identify common errors in device usage among pharmacists.
• To assess the sources of pharmacists' training on inhaled medication delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• A trained observer assessed 45 pharmacists' ability to use three inhaler types using an 11-step checklist.
• A questionnaire evaluated pharmacists' knowledge of 11 clinically relevant questions per device.
• Data on training sources were collected via questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Pharmacists' correct step performance varied by device: MDI (96%, 87%, 62%), MDI + Aerochamber (80%, 76%, 47%), Turbuhaler (67%, 64%, 29%).
• Common errors included failure to shake MDIs, coordinating inhalation with actuation, and breath-holding.
• Pharmacists scored an average of 50% on knowledge questions, with only 21% scoring above 70%.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacists' proficiency with inhaled devices appears correlated with device availability duration.
• Significant knowledge and skill deficits exist among pharmacists regarding inhaled medication delivery systems.
• Targeted educational interventions are necessary to enhance pharmacists' competence in this area.