Time is Essential for Competant Inhaler Technique Training

Background: Quality- assured inhaler technique (Inh-Tec) training is essential within respiratory care. Inh-Tec can influence efficacy of inhaled therapies, treatment adherence and patient outcomes. However, Inh-Tec in respiratory management is often poorly addressed. Aims: We (i) determined the time undertaken to teach Inh-Tec in a busy tertiary London clinic and (ii) surveyed clinician’s and patient’s attitude, confidence and competence regarding Inh-Tec. Methods: Eight clinicians were surveyed with a questionnaire. Eleven COPD patients were surveyed before and after Inh-Tec review during clinic by an experienced physiotherapist. Results: Most clinicians (75%) cited lack of time as the main barrier to assess Inh-Tec Clinicians strongly agreed (62.5%) Inh-Tec should be an essential part of any consultation. However only a minority of clinicians (12.5%) checked Inh-Tec. Patient inhaler technique took an average of 23.5 (range 14 – 30) minutes to assess. Patients (50%) felt that they were not using their inhalers correctly. They (40%) were not confident they were taking them correctly, despite 73% having their Inh-Tec reviewed since they were first prescribed their inhalers. The majority (85%) strongly agreed it was valuable having their Inh-Tec checked and half wanted it checked at every other clinic visit. Conclusion: Clinicians feel Inh-Tec is important but time is a barrier to this. The average time to assess Inh-Tec was 23.5 minutes. Importantly, the average waiting time to see a clinician was 57 minutes. Inh-Tec could be routinely assessed while patients wait to see the clinician.