title: Inability of physicians to use metered-dose inhalers.
abstract: The effectiveness of antiasthmatic therapy with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) is usually limited by defective inhalational technique. This study surveyed the MDI inhalation performance and knowledge of 100 physicians whose performance (demarcated into six stages) and knowledge scores correlated (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). Inhalation performance scores for shaking the canister, full expiration prior to using the MDI, breath holding thereafter, and positioning of the mouth-piece correlated with their corresponding knowledge scores (p < or = 0.02). Training of physicians entailing actual instruction and supervision of inhalational maneuvers may enhance the ability of doctors to use MDIs and facilitate better patient supervision.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Tsang
authors.forename: W K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ip
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kou
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yam
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.forename: I J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Lauder
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Kumana
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010819:Physician's Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents