title: Nurses' performance of inhalation technique with metered-dose inhaler plus spacer device.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Services, UT Bowld Hospital, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Memphis 38103.
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Self
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Kelso
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Arheart
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Umberto Meduri
mesh_terms: 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