Assessment of techniques and errors in the use of metered dose inhalers inadults

Background: Not all the techniques for the correct use of metered dose inha lers are used by patients and health care professionals. Aim: To assess the techniques and errors in the use of metered dose inhalers among patients a nd health care professionals. Material and method: Evaluation of the inhali ng technique, using a validated questionnaire, used by 68 patients, 30 phys icians and 30 nurses working in a hospital at Concepcion, Chile. Results: T he "closed mouth" technique is used by 84% of patients, 40% of physicians a nd 73% of nurses. The rest uses the "open mouth" technique. The aerochamber is used by 12% of patients, 37% of physicians and 27% of nurses. The most frequent inhaling errors detected were not shaking the inhaler (26% of pati ents, 30% of physicians and 7% of nurses), not applying the puff at the sta rt of inspiration (28% of patients, 7% of physicians and 13% of nurses), an d not maintaining an apnea after the inhalation (41% of patients, 7% of phy sicians and 10% of nurses). Sixty percents of patients, 67% of physicians a nd 40% of nurses have not received instructions about the tubaler use. Conc lusions: There is a high frequency of errors in the use of inhalers and mos t users have not been trained in its use.