Nurses' performance of inhalation technique with metered-dose inhaler plus spacer device.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if nurses could correctly use a metered-dose inhaler plus spacer (MDI-spacer) device after a brief description and demonstration of proper use by a clinical pharmacist.


METHODS
Pretest, educational intervention, posttest.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-three nurses.


METHODS
Nurses were asked to use the MDI-spacer (Aerochamber) and were scored using a nine-point checklist (pretest). Educational intervention by the clinical pharmacist consisted of a five-minute discussion and correct demonstration of the device. Nurses were then asked to use the device again (posttest).


METHODS
Pre- and posttest scores.


RESULTS
Total scores were improved after the educational intervention (66 percent pretest vs. 88 percent posttest, p = 0.0001). In an item analysis, four of the nine steps had improved significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
A brief discussion and demonstration of correct use of MDI-spacers is effective in improving nurses' skill in using the device.
Self
T H
TH
Department of Pharmacy Services, UT Bowld Hospital, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Memphis 38103.
Kelso
T M
TM
Arheart
K L
KL
Morgan
J H
JH
Umberto Meduri
G
G
D002983:Clinical Competence; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013714:Tennessee