Assessment of inhaler techniques and the impact of critical errors on clinical outcomes

Xuan Wen Ee; Nurdiana Jamil; Wan Sazrina Wan Zaid

doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS7.13074

Authors

Xuan Wen Ee Pharmacy Department, Sultanah Aminah Hospital, Persiaran Abu Bakar, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Nurdiana Jamil
nurdiana@cyberjaya.edu.my
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Cyberjaya, Persiaran Bestari, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Wan Sazrina Wan Zaid Superbig Academy & Superbig Capital Limited, Unit F1-2, Block F, Jalan Radius 1/1c, Street Teknokrat 2/1, Radius, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor Malaysia

Keywords:

inhaler techniques, pharmacist, disease control

Abstract

Introduction: The use of inhaled medications remained as the pillar in pharmacological management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Incorrect inhalation technique can impact drug delivery to the lung, compromised bronchodilation and lead to deteriorated disease control and worse disease outcomes. However, devices for inhaled medications can be difficult to learn and prone to mishandling despite presence of newer and more user-friendly inhalers. Objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare between patients’ self-rated confidence with their actual technique in using inhalers This study also aimed to determine factors associated with incorrect inhalation technique and impact of inhaler critical errors on clinical outcomes. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study among patients with chronic respiratory disease who were users of inhalers, who visited outpatient pharmacy department and respiratory clinic, Serdang Hospital from 15^th July to 15^th August 2019. The patients were screened using convenient sampling according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pertinent data and inhalation techniques were identified during interview sessions. Results and discussion: Nearly a third of the patients who were confident with their inhalation technique had incorrect inhalation techniques and performed critical errors.

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