Abstract
Background Evidence shows lack of competency among health care professionals (HCPs) to demonstrate correct inhaler technique to patients.
Aim: We conducted a multicentre RCT at 2 tertiary hospitals to investigate whether simulation-based training using Aerosol Inhalation Monitor (AIM) and written information is more effective compared to training using written information alone.
Method 160 HCPS (69 doctors, 80 nurses, 8 physiotherapists, 3 pharmacists) were randomised into 2 groups of simulation and written information (Intensive Intervention Arm (IIA; n=80)) and written information only (Minimal Intervention Arm (MIA; n=80)) arms. Inhaler technique was assessed using the AIM machine and checklist score (maximum score 20; 10 for MDI and 10 DPI) which were conducted immediate-post teaching and 1-week after.
Results: Cumulative combined (MDI+DPI) median scores for the IIA group showed significant improvement at post-teaching compared to MIA at 1-week (p<0.001). However the significant improvement shown in the cumulative DPI group median score at 1-week from post-teaching (p <0.001) was not shown in cumulative MDI group (p=0.38).
Conclusion: Our study showed significant overall improvement in combined inhaler technique scores at 1-week using simulation with the AIM machine compared to written information alone. Surprisingly, the addition of simulation only improved DPI technique scores, but this was not reciprocated in MDI technique scores. These results need confirmation in longer and larger duration studies.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015