Authors

Aitziber Gutiérrez García de Cortazar, Izaskun Arriaran Mendialdua Martínez, Olga Martínez de la Hidalga, Sara Rodríguez Borrajo

Position

Diplomadas en Enfermería. Hospital Txagorritxu

Contact address

Hospital Txagorritxu. C/ José Atxotegui, s/n. 01006 Vitoria Gastéiz

Contact email: txiparriaran@mixmail.com

Abstract

Objective: to assess the knowledge nurses have on the management and handling of inhalers and nebulisers in adult hospitalisation units at the Txagorritxu hospital (Vitoria).
Material and methods: cross-sectional, descriptive study.
Target population: all nurses working at adult hospitalisation units. Data were collected by means of a self-elaborated questionnaire based on the recommendations issued by the SEPAR.
Study variables: adequate knowledge on the management and handling of inhalers, nebulisers, sex, age, working unit, time in the unit and total time worked.
Statistical analysis: the Chi square test was used to contrast the hypothesis.
Results: response rate 73,9% 16,6% demonstrated to have an adequate knowledge of the management and handling of inhalers and nebulisers. 29% was familiar with the correct use of inhalers with a spacer chamber. 93,8% claimed that the correct way to administer nebulised Atrovent was through a pippet or mask with eye protection. There was no evidence of associations between adequate knowledge and the place of work (66,7% of nurses working at Respiratory Units as compared to 13,2% of nurses from other units).
Conclusions: the percentage of nurses with an adequate knowledge on the management and handling of inhalers and nebulisers is low. Continued education is needed in this field. Nursing professionals must be made aware of this situation, given the important role they play in patient education.

Keywords:

COPD; asthma; pneumology; respiratory care; SEPAR; Inhalers; nebulizers; knowledge

Versión en Español

Título:

Terapia inhalada: ¿conoce la enfermera su correcta utilización?