Authors (including presenting author) :
Fu MMM(1), Lau KM(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Medicine and Geriatrics, Caritas Medical Centre
Introduction :
Nowadays, there is a large variety of inhaler devices prescribed to either Asthma or COPD patients. However, most of nurses are knowledge deficit regard to the proper technique of each inhaler devices. Inadequate technique of nurses to use inhaler properly may lead to ineffective education on their patients. Providing education on inhaler technique is essential during hospitalization. Proper use of the inhaler devices can lead to effective symptoms control by receiving optimal dose of prescribed drugs.
Objectives :
To investigate the knowledge and technique of nurses regarding different inhalers.
To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational workshop regarding inhalers knowledge and technique.
Methodology :
A single group pre- post study was carried out in the respiratory ward of Caritas Medical Centre from January to June 2018. Nurses attended an educational workshop about the knowledge and technique of inhalers. At the workshop, inhaler technique of nurses was optimized. Their knowledge and technique of inhalers were assessed before and after training. Nurses’ knowledge level of inhalers was assessed by a questionnaire that was reviewed by respiratory team members. Inhaler technique assessment checklist was developed by Specialty Advisory Group of Hospital Authority. Changes in inhalers’ knowledge and its technique after training was analyzed by using a paired t-test. The significance level will be set at p≤ 0.05.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 18 nurses were invited to participate in this study. 89% participants were the ages of 20-30 years. 55% nurses had 1-5 years of nursing experience. The mean score of inhaler technique after training increased from 11.9 to 14 for MDI, from 9.3 to 11.3 for Accuhaler, from 8.7 to 10.3 for Ellipta, from 11.7 to 13.5 for Handihaler, from 9 to 12 for Turbuhaler and from 11.1 to 13.6 for Soft-mist inhaler. The increases were statistically significant for all inhalers (p< 0.01). There were significantly increase in the knowledge level of inhaler from 4.7 to 8.3 (p< 0.01).
In conclusion, nurses did not have adequate knowledge and proper technique of different inhalers. Educational program of inhalers in the clinical settings for nurses can increase their knowledge and technique effectively. Regular educational intervention is recommended for nurses to enhance and consolidate their knowledge and technique of different inhalers.
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