title: Incorrect application technique of metered dose inhalers by internal medicine residents: impact of exposure to a practical situation.
abstract: We evaluated residents regarding maintenance treatment of asthma and the technique for using metered dose inhalers. Methods. Residents were asked to prescribe a treatment for a patient with poorly controlled persistent asthma and to demonstrate the use of metered dose inhaler (MDI) medication. Results. 76% of 239 residents correctly identified the medication indicated for the case; only 30% of them adequately performed the inhalation technique (49% from HCFMUSP vs. 19% from other institutions; p < 0.001). Conclusions. The results demonstrate that, when seeing a typical patient with uncontrolled persistent asthma, most residents are able to correctly identify the drugs indicated for treatment but not adequately instruct the MDI technique use.
authors.affiliation: Pulmonary Division, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil. pnerafael@incor.usp.br
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stelmach
authors.forename: Priscila Games
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Robles-Ribeiro
authors.forename: Marcos
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.forename: Julio César
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Augusto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scalabrini
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cukier
mesh_terms: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001938:Brazil; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000193:education*; D007396:Internship and Residency; D036501:Metered Dose Inhalers; D019370:Observation
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents