BACKGROUND: Prescribing inhalers without imparting adequate education regarding proper technique of their usage may result in suboptimal clinical improvement and wastage of medication. Training interventions using a standard check-list may help improve faulty techniques and enhance drug efficacy. METHODS: Patients using metered dose inhaler (MDI) were included in the study. Inhaler technique was first evaluated at baseline using a standard check-list of recommended steps (National Institute of Health guidelines) and scores were given for each step correctly performed. Those who could not perform all steps correctly were given training intervention. The patients were assigned to two methods of educational intervention; one group was trained by providing written material giving step-wise instructions while the other group was given an actual physical demonstration using a placebo device. The technique was re-evaluated and scored following each educational session, and continued till the patient achieved a full score, or for a maximum of 3 sessions, whichever occurred earlier. Median score was calculated after each session and was compared between the two groups. Each patient was followed up after two months and the re-evaluated the same way. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen subjects were enrolled in the study (59 in the written group and 57 in the practical demonstration group). At baseline, only 1 of the 117 subjects could perform all the steps of inhaler usage correctly. This patient was, therefore, not provided the inhaler technique education. The overall median (range) score of the whole group was 3 (range 1 to 8). This score rose to 6, 7 and 8 after each of the three subsequent educational intervention sessions. At one-month follow-up, the median score dropped to 7 and improved with a repeat educational session as previously done. A significant difference was observed in the median score improvement achieved in the practical demonstration group compared with the written instruction group (3.0 versus 2.0 respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Inhalation technique of patients improves after imparting systematic educational intervention. A practical demonstration of all the steps proved more effective than simple verbal/written advice. In view of increasing errors being committed over a period of time, repeated demonstration of the proper technique using a standard check-list significantly improves the errors committed during inhaler use.

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