Incorrect use of metered dose inhaler by pediatric residents

Currently press-and-breath metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are widely prescribed but are often difficult for many patients to properly use. However many medical personnel cannot use the MDIs correctly. We administered a question and observed usage of a placebo metered dose inhaler with ad-on spacer (Nebuhaler) among 127 second year pediatric residents. Forty-eight per cent of the residents performed at least six of nine steps correctly. The two most common errors made by participants were not to place mouthpiece tightly between teeth and lips (64%) and failure to breath out to functional residual capacity before actuation (55.3%). Of the residents with improper timing of actuation (49%) all actuated the canister before starting inhalation. (5 seconds or longer time). We conclude that (1) pediatricians should have additional instruction in proper MDIs usage and practice with the asthmatic child and (2) routine assessment of MDIs technique should be instituted as standard practice care.