Health professionals can now download a comprehensive new suite of resources to encourage the use of spacers with pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs).
Developed by the National Asthma Council Australia (NAC), the resources include a new spacer chart and information sheet for health professionals and an accompanying how-to-video.
The Spacers for pressurised metered-dose inhalers chart is a poster designed to go on the wall of the clinic or pharmacy to help health professionals identify and explain the range of spacers available. It can also be used to start a conversation about the benefits of using a spacer with a pMDI.
The AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Spacers for pressurised metered-dose inhalers information sheet includes valuable information for health professionals to assist in discussing the benefits of spacers with patients.
The How to use a metered dose inhaler (puffer) with a spacer for adults video provides step by step instructions and tips on how to correctly use an AeroChamber spacer with a pMDI and also how to use an AeroChamber spacer with a mask.
An updated Spacer use and care fact sheet can also be used to help explain to patients and carers why a spacer is so important and also the types of spacers available, as well as tips for using and cleaning a spacer and puffer.
Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby, pharmacist and Clinical Executive Lead, NAC, said the clinical effectiveness of pMDIs can be significantly improved by using a spacer.
“Only about one in 10 patients can correctly perform all the steps in using a pMDI[1] and three-quarters of patients using a pMDI make at least one error when using their inhaler[2].
“The new suite of resources from the NAC will help health professionals to ensure that every patient prescribed a pMDI knows how to use a spacer and use it when needed or as directed.
“The spacer helps the medication reach the small airways where it is most needed and this is important for both adults and children.
“The use of a pMDI with a spacer is at least as effective and safe as use of a nebuliser and spacers should be selected individually to fit the pMDI,” she said.
The NAC recommends that spacers should be used by:
All spacer resources can be downloaded directly from the NAC website.
Print copies of the wall chart (A3 size) can be ordered from the NAC by emailing [email protected].
They will also be on display and available at the Festival of Nursing 24-26 July and PSA25 1-3 August.
For further information or an interview with a NAC spokesperson, please contact:
Donna Le Page, Le Page PR
Mobile: 0429 825 703 or Email: [email protected]
References
[1] Luk H, et al. Teaching chronic obstructive airway disease patients using a metered-dose inhaler. Chin Med J 2006; 119: 1669-1672
[2] Molimard M, et al. Assessment of handling of inhaler devices in real life: an observational study in 3811 patients in primary care. J Aerosol Med 2003; 16: 249–254.
Acknowledgement
The Spacers for Pressurised Metered-Dose Inhalers Chart, AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Spacers for pressurised metered-dose inhalers information paper and How to use a metered dose inhaler (puffer) with a spacer for adults video were developed independently by the National Asthma Council Australia, with support from Trudell Medical International.
