Assessment of metered dose inhaler technique in family health service patients in Singapore
Tan, N.C.; Ng, C.J.; Goh, S.; Lee, C.E.
Singapore Medical Journal 40(7): 465-467
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-5675 PMID: 10560273 Document Number: 502600
Objective: To assess the metered-dose inhaler technique in polyclinic patients with chronic lung disease. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three polyclinics. The inhalation technique was assessed in six steps. Results: Only 7.1% of patients could perform all six steps correctly. Percentage of patients performing each of the following steps correctly were: preparation (89.1%), exhalation (53.8%), lip closure (69.2%), inhalation (57.7%), breath-holding (32.1%) and puff interval (35.4%). Conclusion: This study showed a high incidence of incorrect usage of metered dose inhaler amongst polyclinic patients.