RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 An audit of inhaler technique among asthma patients of 34 general practitioners.
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 505
OP 506
VO 40
IS 341
A1 S Hilton
YR 1990
UL http://bjgp.org/content/40/341/505.abstract
AB Doctors from 34 practices participated in an audit study which examined inhaler technique in up to 20 of their patients. A new scoring system, applicable to all forms of device, was used. Although the majority of the 422 patients (63%) was using metered dose inhalers, a broad range of other devices was included; most frequently Rotahalers (15%) and spacer devices (9%). For analysis, technique scores were rated as 'good' (score 4 out of 4), 'adequate' (score 3 or 4) and 'inadequate' (score 2 or less). Overall, 25% of patients had inadequate technique. Of all devices, the Turbohaler had the highest proportion of patients with good technique (78%), and metered dose inhalers the lowest (45%). This audit confirms that technique is unsatisfactory for a significant proportion of patients, regardless of the device used. A simple scoring system promotes consistent testing of technique within a practice.