Achieving mastery in inhaler technique: An evaluation of training provided to general practice healthcare professionals
Authors: Capstick T , Mohamed H 
Published: November 2023

Introduction

A local scoping questionnaire on previous training and confidence demonstrating inhaler technique in general practice (GP) healthcare professionals (HCP), identified that despite frequent consultations with patients with respiratory disease, 43% reported being self-taught on inhalers. In addition, the proportion of HCPs who reported confidence for demonstrating inhaler technique was low, approximately 60% for pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDI), and 35-50% for the dry powder inhalers (DPIs) Ellipta, Easyhaler, and NEXThaler.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of an expert-led face-to-face inhaler technique workshop on HCP confidence and skills.

Methods

GP HCPs at seven Primary Care Networks (PCN) within Leeds Integrated Care Board (ICB) were invited to attend a multidisciplinary pilot inhaler training session in September 2022, led by a Consultant Respiratory Pharmacist and three facilitators. Inhaler technique was assessed at baseline and after education on the theory and practical issues of inhaler technique for the four most prescribed devices locally (Ellipta, Easyhaler, pMDI, NEXThaler). Inhaler technique was assessed using a seven-step checklist and scored as Optimal (no errors), Satisfactory (no critical errors, but some minor errors) or Unsatisfactory (at least 1 critical error).1 Each facilitator was allocated one inhaler device type and assessed all attendees with that same device. Attendees were asked to complete a post-training evaluation questionnaire, which asked about understanding of inhaler technique and confidence in demonstrating it. Data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. This evaluation of educational provision did not require ethical approval.

Results

Data was available for 23 of the 24 participants who completed the full session. Inhaler technique improved across all four devices post-training. The proportion of HCPs with satisfactory or optimal inhaler technique improved by 87% for Ellipta (from 4% to 91%), 65% for Nexthaler (from 22% to 87%), 17% for pMDI (from 0% to 17%) and 65% for Easyhaler (from 0% to 65%). The most common critical error made using pMDI, even after training, was inhaling too fast, whilst the most common critical error for Ellipta, Easyhaler and Nexthaler devices was not tilting the chin up prior to inhalation. This improved after training. 22 attendees completed a post-training session evaluation form. An improvement in understanding of correct inhaler technique was reported by 89% of HCPs, and 100% agreed they felt more confident demonstrating inhaler technique to patients.

Discussion/Conclusion

Evaluation of our expert-led inhaler technique training showed that HCPs were more likely to feel confident and achieve mastery in inhaler technique using DPIs than pMDI. Despite pMDIs being the device HCPs felt most confident using prior to training, this was the device HCPs performed poorly in. Post-training, many attendees described that to use a pMDI they inhale slowly and steadily, but on demonstration continued to inhale quickly and deeply, highlighting the difficulty in changing ingrained incorrect practice. Whilst understanding on how to use pMDIs correctly probably improved, it is likely that more practice is required. Consideration should be given to regular repeat training sessions, and the setting of these (in person, remote or eLearning) should be assessed in wider rollout of this initiative.

References

1. UK Inhaler Group. December 2016. Inhaler standards and competency document. Available at: https://www.ukinhalergroup.co.uk/ (Accessed 22nd May 2023)