Inhalation devices for the treatment of asthma--how much do paediatricians know about their correct use?

The present study was undertaken to assess the practical and theoretical knowledge of paediatricians in regard of inhalation devices for the treatment of childhood asthma. Forty-one paediatricians (39 from different parts of Austria and 2 from Switzerland), all of them running hospital-based chest clinics, were tested in regard of 4 items (Diskhaler, Metered dose inhaler (MDI) with Aerochamber, cleaning of an Aerochamber and a Pari Junior jet nebuliser). Practical performance and theoretical knowledge were assessed. Scoring was done by one consultant using a score of 1-5, with 1 point being given for the poorest performance and 5 points for the best. Overall performance was acceptable with a median of 13 points (the maximum achievable score was 20), but there were some deficits in the practical use of special devices. Better training on the use of different devices for inhalation therapy of asthmatic children is desirable.