The effect of pharmacist-led education on inhaler use skills in hospitalised patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Objective To assess patient inhalation skills and the effect of pharmacist-led education on these skills in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients using inhalers in a hospital setting. Methods Pre- and 1month post-intervention were evaluated by scoring essential steps during inhaler use for each inhaler device. Results 41 patients participated in the study (mean age 64.3611.78 years, range 29-83 years). The female-male ratio was 7:34. Patients' inhaler administration skills were found to be improved by pharmacist-led education (p<0.05). Conclusions Evaluation of accurate inhaler device usage in patients with COPD should be performed periodically, and training regarding the inhaler device should be reconsidered according to the needs of patients.