Correct Use of Inhalers in Patients with Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Lee, Jong-Kyung; Yang, Young-Hee

The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education 2010;16(1):111-120.
Published online June 30, 2010.

Lee, Jong-Kyung;Yang, Young-Hee;

¹Department of Nursing, Dankook University
²Department of Nursing, Dankook University

폐쇄성 폐질환자의 흡입기 사용 정확성 정도

이종경, 양영희

¹단국대 의과대학 간호학과
²단국대 의과대학 간호학과

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correct use of inhalers and to examine the patients characteristics affecting correct use of inhalers in patients with obstructive pulmonary disease. Method: Subjects were 280 patients with obstructive pulmonary disease who visited the internal pulmonary outpatient departments in 2 university hospitals in Korea. Inhaler use of each patient was assessed using a checklist recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel. Result: Most subjects used a DPI or MDI. The overall mean score of correct use was 72.09. Most subjects responded they knew well how to use their inhalers. Most frequent error was 'not fully exhaling before inhalation'. A younger age, higher educational level, living with family, and awareness of inhaler use were significantly associated with correct use of inhalers. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that most of patients were unable to use inhalers correctly even though they had prior educational experiences. Regular assessing of inhaler use and adequate inhaler education considering patients characteristics by nurses are needed.

Key Words: Asthma, COPD, Metered dose inhalers, Assessment