The use of an improper technique with metered-dose inhalers decreases the efficacy of the bronchodilators being administered. There is evidently a need for patients to watch a demonstration. Twenty-nine adult asthmatic patients from an allergy clinic were divided into three groups, each receiving a different form of instruction: an information sheet, personal instruction or a videotape presentation. Subsequently each patient was tested for correct use of the inhaler. There was no difference in mean scores for inhalation technique between the groups instructed in person and by videotape, but both were significantly better than the mean score of the group given only an information sheet. There was also no significant change in the scores at a follow-up test in the groups who saw the technique demonstrated. These results indicate the need for and value of the demonstration of proper technique with pressurized inhalers. A pharmacy-generated education system using videotape equipment or personal instruction by a pharmacist could readily solve the problem.

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