The effect of modification of inhaler spacer’s visual user guideline on the correct use of the inhaler spacer

Abstract

Aim: To determine the effect of modification of visual user guideline of inhaler spacer device on the skill of correct usage. Material and Method: The medical faculty intern students at İnönü University were enrolled in the study. The participants were interviewed face-to-face and requested to fill out questionnaires for modified and non-modified visual user guideline. Result: A total of 172 students were included in the study; 104 (60.5%) of the students were male. The study group included 90 students who were evaluated with the modified visual user guidelines; the other group included 82 students who were evaluated with the non-modified visual user guidelines. 76 (84%) out of 90 participants in the group who was given modified visual user guideline performed the inhaler spacer device technique correctly. In contrast, only 12 (15%) of 82 participants in the group who was given non-modified visual user guideline carried out the inhaler spacer device technique correctly (p=0.001). The most common mistakes made in non-modified visual user guideline group were; taking 5-6 deep and slow breaths; 28 (34.1%), shaking MDI and removing cap; 45 (54.9%), and placing mouthpiece between teeth and lips or placing facemask; 57 (69.5%), respectively. Having compared the both groups for the steps of inhaler spacer device use, the modified visual user guideline group fulfilled all the steps more correctly. Conclusion: The visual user guideline of the inhaler devices in our country are insufficient. We are of the opinion that especially visual improvements on user guideline will increase the correct usage of the device by parents.