title: Metered-dose inhaler technique and quality of life with airways disease: assessing the value of the Vitalograph in educational intervention.
abstract: The efficacy of delivering medicines by metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is well established, and the patient's technique with MDIs is related directly to achieving the desired clinical outcome. The present study was designed to assess and improve MDI technique by using a Vitalograph Aerosol Inhalation Monitor (VAIM) in an airways disease education programme. Baseline measurements were made immediately prior to educational intervention incorporating feedback from a VAIM unit. At 6 weeks' follow-up, MDI technique was found to have regressed to the sub-optimal measures recorded at baseline prior to educational intervention. However, patients reported a significant improvement in physical function between baseline and follow-up as measured by the Rand 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36), Version 1.0. The results reinforce the need for a longitudinal educational programme for patients prescribed medications delivered by MDI. The VAIM unit provided health educators and patients with both a visual and a quantitative assessment of patients' MDI technique, and was thus of positive value as part of the intervention process.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Pullman, USA.
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Skaer
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Sclar
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.forename: C F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.forename: L N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Key
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Robison
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents