| Description |
Inhalers are widely used for many respiratory disorders such as asthma, reactive airway; disease, and acute respiratory illness (Hess & Dhand, 2020). Short acting beta agonists (SABAs) are the drug of choice for the acute treatment of asthma symptoms and exacerbations. (Lemanske, 2019). However, the common misuse of inhalers has been well documented (Plaza et; al., 2018). There is a gap that exists when focusing on inhaler techniques, correct use versus patient use. Utilizing a convenience sample, twenty patients agreed, through verbal or recorded consent, to participate in a study at an urgent care clinic in Utah county, Utah. Participants had a recorded or reported history of inhaler use, as well as identified incorrect inhaler use. Participants were educated on proper inhaler use by a health care provider, with a demonstration, and were given patient education handouts on proper inhaler use to take home and use a resource as well. Each participant completed a questionnaire regarding the participant's perceived control of respiratory symptoms, the number of times they have used their inhaler in the past week, and whether they believe they are using their inhaler correctly. At least a week follow up was done via phone call to repeat the survey and verify inhaler technique. A Paired Wilcoxon signed rank test on each survey question was completed. The overall questionnaire scores pre-study and poststudy indicated that participants reported an increase in their asthma or symptom control and also confidence in their inhaler technique. Verifying proper technique amongst patient's using inhalers and providing education can optimize symptom control, adherence, confidence in their inhaler use and may prevent exacerbations. |
