Inhalers used incorrectly at least one-third of time
Clinical question: What are the most common errors in inhaler use over the past 40 years?
Background: One of the reasons for poor asthma and COPD control is incorrect inhaler use. Problems with technique have been recognized since the launch of the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) in the 1960s. Multiple initiatives have been implemented, including the design of the dry powder inhaler (DPI); however, problems persist despite all corrective measures.
Study design: Meta-analysis.
Setting: Multicenter.
Synopsis: The most frequent MDI errors were lack of initial full expiration (48%), inadequate coordination (45%), and no postinhalation breath hold (46%). DPI errors were lower, compared with MDI errors: incorrect preparation (29%), no initial full expiration before inhalation (46%), and no postinhalation breath hold (37%).
The overall prevalence of correct technique was the same as poor technique (31%). There was no difference in the rates of incorrect inhaler use between the first and second 20-year periods of investigation.
Bottom line: Incorrect inhaler use in patients with asthma and COPD persists over time despite multiple implemented strategies.
Citation: Sanchis J, Gich I, Pedersen S, Aerosol Drug Management Improvement Team. Systematic review of errors in inhaler use: has the patient technique improved over time? Chest. 2016;150(2):394-406.
Dr. Florindez is an assistant professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and a hospitalist at University of Miami Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital.
