Hospitalization as an Opportunity to Improve Inhaler Technique

Patients often use inhaled medications incorrectly, which can lead to decreased symptom control and increased exacerbations (NEJM JW Gen Med Sep 15 2016 and Chest 2016; 150:394). Hospitalization offers an opportunity both to assess and to re-educate patients on critical inhaler-use techniques. Swiss investigators performed a single-center prospective cohort study of 93 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were admitted for exacerbations (62%) or other reasons. Intervention patients received the following:

• Standardized assessment of inhaler technique and peak inspiratory flow (PIF) on admission

• A written guide to assist physicians in inhaler selection

• Patient education (and teach-back) by a respiratory therapist to cor…