Knowledge of spacer device, peak flow meter and inhaler technique (MDIs) among health care providers: an evaluation of doctors and nurses.

Bamidele O Adeniyi,Ayodeji M Adebayo,Gregory E Erhabor,Olayinka S Ilesanmi,Daniel O Obaseki,Olubukola O Akinwalere

doi:10.4314/gmj.v52i1.4

Bamidele O Adeniyi, Ayodeji M Adebayo + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v52i1.4

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Abstract

Metered dose inhalers are cornerstone in effective management of bronchial asthma when correctly used. Most studies hitherto have focused on assessing patient's knowledge of inhaler technique. We sought to assess the knowledge of inhaler technique, spacer device and peak flow meter among doctors and nurses in a tertiary healthcare institution in Nigeria. A cross sectional survey of nurses and doctors from emergency department, family and internal medicine; who were attending a continuous professional development lecture, was carried out. From a total of 100 questionnaires administered, we retrieved 87 of which 75 were completed, giving a response rate of 75%. It was a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed with SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics were done. Association was examined using chi-square test. Mean age of respondent was 35.8 years ± 8.7, 47(62.7%) were < 40 years, 33(44%) were male, nurses were 30(40.0%). Only 28(37.3%) had ever used a peak flow meter. Only 4(14.3%) used peak flow meter frequently, while 12(26.7%) checked patient's inhaler technique often. Only 9 out of the 75 (12%) participants all of who are doctors knew at least 3 essential steps of the techniques in using the metered dose inhaler correctly. None of the participants got all the steps for the use of pMDI totally correct. Knowledge regarding the use of the metered dose inhaler and spacer device was poor. Health practitioners should have constant reminders in the form of continuous medical education to update their knowledge regarding correct inhaler technique. self-funded.

Highlights

The inhalational route is often the preferred choice when administering medications in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).[1]
The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of doctors and nurses in a tertiary hospital in south-west Nigeria regarding spacer devices, peak flow meters and inhaler techniques
We described the correct steps as written below: Steps in using metered dose inhaler device adapted from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Programmes of America (NAEPP). 20

Summary

Introduction

The inhalational route is often the preferred choice when administering medications in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).[1] This route results in better delivery to the airways which is the site of action and is associated with less side effects. 3 Metered dose inhalers consist of a pressurized canister containing the medication. Most pMDI involves coordinating correct timing and appropriate inspiratory flow rate.[4] In order to increase drug delivery and overcome the problem of hand-breath coordination, a spacer device can be used alongside the inhaler.[5] Spacer devices have been found useful even during acute severe asthma management as a costeffective alternative to nebulizers in children.,[6,7] www.ghanamedj.org Volume 52 Number 1 March 2018

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Conclusion