An article posted on October 4, 2012 on the BMJ publication Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin article asks, “who needs teaching?” when it comes to inhaler technique. The article points out that an overwhelming number of health professionals have a poor understanding of how to use inhalers and are therefore in no position to teach patients how to use the devices.
The authors note, “There is a widespread lack of attention with regard to teaching, checking and re-checking inhaler technique and this applies to prescribers, healthcare professionals who review patients and those involved in the dispensing and supply of such medication.” According to the article, one study demonstrated the inability of 9 out of 10 healthcare professionals to demonstrate proper use of a metered dose inhaler.
Read an extract of the article.
