OBJECTIVE: To assess the metered-dose inhaler technique in polyclinic patients with chronic lung disease. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three polyclinics. The inhalation technique was assessed in six steps. RESULTS: Only 7.1% of patients could perform all six steps correctly. Percentage of patients performing each of the following steps correctly were: preparation (89.1%), exhalation (53.8%), lip closure (69.2%), inhalation (57.7%), breath-holding (32.1%) and puff interval (35.4%). CONCLUSION: This study showed a high incidence of incorrect usage of metered dose inhaler amongst polyclinic patients.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the metered-dose inhaler technique in polyclinic patients with chronic lung disease. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three polyclinics. The inhalation technique was assessed in six steps. RESULTS: Only 7.1% of patients could perform all six steps correctly. Percentage of patients performing each of the following steps correctly were: preparation (89.1%), exhalation (53.8%), lip closure (69.2%), inhalation (57.7%), breath-holding (32.1%) and puff interval (35.4%). CONCLUSION: This study showed a high incidence of incorrect usage of metered dose inhaler amongst polyclinic patients.