New Tool to Improve Inhaler Technique

The National Asthma Council Australia has released a package of new and updated resources for primary care health professionals to help combat the problem of incorrect inhaler technique Research shows up to 90% of patients incorrectly use their inhalers for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Moreover, the patient’s own assessment of their ability is not a reliable guide. The Council cited an Australian study which found that 75% of patients using an inhaler for two to three years reported they were using their inhaler correctly, but on objective checking, only 10% had the correct technique.

As a result, the National Asthma Council Australia has released an updated version of its Inhaler technique for people with asthma or COPD information paper to provide clearer practice recommendations and incorporate new medicines and devices that have come onto the market in the last two years. “It’s really hard for health professionals to keep track of all the inhalers, especially as new medicines and devices continue to become available,” said National Asthma Council Australia Asthma and Respiratory Educator and nurse, Judi Wicking. “And many health professionals don’t realise how common poor technique is, nor how big an impact this can have on asthma and COPD management. “The good news is that correcting patients’ inhaler technique has been shown to improve lung function, quality of life and asthma control.”

The updated information paper summarises the latest evidence on the prevalence and impact of incorrect technique and includes checklists for using the expanding range of new respiratory devices. “The paper reflects the advice in the Australian Asthma Handbook, which recommends that inhaler technique should always be checked before considering dose escalation or add-on therapy,” said Ms Wicking.

Alongside the information paper, the Asthma and COPD Medications and Allergic Rhinitis Treatments charts have also been updated to include the latest inhalers and the main intranasal treatment options available in Australia.

More information on spacers and nebulisers can be viewed in the education module below.

Source: ajp.com.au/news/new-tool-to-improve-inhaler-technique/, viewed 17 May 2018