Authors

1Raquel Escriba Sanchís, 2Ana Gallego Maniques

Position

¹Adjunta a docencia en el Hospital Francesc de Borja (Gandía). ²Enfermera de Medicina Interna en el Hospital Francesc de Borja (Gandía).

Contact address

C/ San Antonio 171. 46760 Tavernes de Valldigna (Valencia).

Abstract

The aim of the work presented in this article was to set up a patient education programme in a hospital on the use of inhalation devices and to evaluate their efficacy after completion of the programme.

Methodology: A survey was carried out for each inhalation model, evaluating the degree of understanding of each and one of the stages on the use of the inhaler and the degree of compliance with each of these stages. Follow up visits were performed at 1, 3 and 6 months from the procedure. A satisfaction survey was administered at the end of the study.
Results: 42 patients were included in the study, of which 18 completed the entire follow up period. 69% (n=29) used the pressurised cartridge case. 78% (N=33) had a single inhaler during the therapy. Mean time using the inhalation device was 2.7 years.
95% (n=40) of the patients used the device incorrectly at admission. The inhalation technique was even worse in cases where the pressurised cartridge case inhaler was used. 95% (n=17) of the patients that completed the follow up period were applying the right technique at the end of the training period.
Conclusions: The incorrect use of this type of inhalers is rather high in our setting, making nursing intervention for patient teaching purposes necessary. Patient education has been shown to be effective to improve the application technique of the inhaler and to improve the understanding and control the patient has over the treatment. It is important to include the main carer into the education programme.

Keywords:

healthcare education; techniques and procedures; chronic respiratory patientsdrug administration

Versión en Español

Título:

Evaluación de un programa educativo para el uso de dispositivos inhalatorios