PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Ammari, Maha Al
AU  - Sultana, Khizra
AU  - Yunus, Faisal
AU  - Ghobain, Mohammed Al
AU  - Halwan, Shatha M. Al
TI  - A cross-sectional observational study to assess inhaler technique in Saudi hospitalized patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
AID  - 10.15537/smj.2016.5.14369
DP  - 2016 May 01
TA  - Saudi Medical Journal
PG  - 570--574
VI  - 37
IP  - 5
4099  - http://smj.org.sa/content/37/5/570.short
4100  - http://smj.org.sa/content/37/5/570.full
SO  - Saudi Med J2016 May 01; 37
AB  - Objectives: To assess the proportion of critical errors committed while demonstrating the inhaler technique in hospitalized patients diagnosed with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 47 asthmatic and COPD patients using inhaler devices. The study took place at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between September and December 2013. Two pharmacists independently assessed inhaler technique with a validated checklist.Results: Seventy percent of patients made at least one critical error while demonstrating their inhaler technique, and the mean number of critical errors per patient was 1.6. Most patients used metered dose inhaler (MDI), and 73% of MDI users and 92% of dry powder inhaler users committed at least one critical error.Conclusion: Inhaler technique in hospitalized Saudi patients was inadequate. Health care professionals should understand the importance of reassessing and educating patients on a regular basis for inhaler technique, recommend the use of a spacer when needed, and regularly assess and update their own inhaler technique skills.