Abstract
Objective
To determine if nurses could correctly use a metered-dose inhaler plus spacer (MDI–spacer) device after a brief description and demonstration of proper use by a clinical pharmacist.
Design
Pretest, educational intervention, posttest.
Setting
University hospital.
Participants
Twenty-three nurses.
Interventions
Nurses were asked to use the MDI-spacer (Aerochamber) and were scored using a nine-point checklist (pretest). Educational intervention by the clinical pharmacist consisted of a five-minute discussion and correct demonstration of the device. Nurses were then asked to use the device again (posttest).
Main Outcome Measures
Pre- and posttest scores.
Results
Total scores were improved after the educational intervention (66 percent pretest vs. 88 percent posttest, p=0.0001). In an item analysis, four of the nine steps had improved significantly.
Conclusions
A brief discussion and demonstration of correct use of MDI–spacers is effective in improving nurses’ skill in using the device.
