Implementation of an educational intervention to improve the correct use of asthma inhalers.

摘要

Metered-dose inhalers (MDI) are routinely prescribed for patients with asthma. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to check the patient's ability to use an inhaler as inhalers are most effective when used correctly. However, many healthcare professionals are unable to use an inhaler correctly. This pilot study tested the ability of nurse practitioner students to correctly use an MDI. Findings indicated that nurse practitioner students are unable to use an MDI correctly. These students then participated in a "teach to goal" educational intervention. Four weeks later, students were significantly more likely to be able to use an MDI correctly (p=0.000). All nurse practitioner students completed the Healthcare Professional Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire before and after the intervention. Although scores increased, from 10.67 to 11.33, this was not statistically significant (p=0.252). There was no relationship between ability to use an inhaler correctly at pre or post-test and years of experience as an RN, previous education on inhalers, or personal use of an MDI. Age was only significant in the pretest as the younger students were more likely to be able to use an MDI correctly; there was no significant difference at the post-test. These findings indicate that all nurse practitioner students should be taught how to use an MDI during their course of study.