Inhaler Technique Inhaler therapy is a fundamental aspect of COPD - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Inhaler Technique

Inhaler therapy is a fundamental aspect of COPD management. A systematic review 1 found that inhalers were incorrectly being used in between 4% and 94% of patients. GOLD guidelines 2017 list the key points for the inhalation of drugs • The choice of inhaler device has to be individually tailored and will depend on access, cost, prescriber and most importantly patient’s ability and preference. • It is essential to provide instructions and to demonstrate the proper inhalation technique when prescribing a device, to ensure that inhaler technique is adequate and recheck at each visit that patients continue to use their inhaler correctly. • Inhaler technique (adherence therapy) should be assessed before concluding that the current therapy requires modification. 1 Lavorini, F. et al. Effect of incorrect use of dry powder inhalers on management of patients with asthma and COPD. Respir. Med. 102, 593 – 604 (2008).

Inhaler Standards and Competency Document

Seven Steps to using inhaler devices 1. Prepare the inhaler device 2. Prepare or load the dose 3. Breathe out, fully and gently, but not into the inhaler 4. Place inhaler mouthpiece in the mouth and seal the lips around the mouthpiece 5. Breathe in: * pMDI: Slow and Steady * DPI: Quick and Deep 6. Remove inhaler from the mouth and hold the breath for up to 10 seconds 7. Wait for a 30 seconds then repeat as necessary.