Explaining Inhaler Technique

Introduces self	0	1
Confirms name & date of birth of patient	0	1
Explains your role in teaching patient how to use an inhaler & gains consent	0	1
Checks understanding of & explains asthma and inhalers	0	1
Washes hands	0	1
Collects equipment (a cleaned demonstrating inhaler)	0	1
Explains the technique and checks patient's understanding	0	1
Demonstrates how to use an inhaler	0	1
Asks patient to stand as upright as possible	0	1
Tells the patient to check the drug cannister to identify the drug and expiry date	0	1
Asks the patient to replace the drug cannister and shake vigorously	0	1
Asks the patient to remove the cap and hold the inhaler between their index finger and thumb	0	1
Asks the patient to fully exhale and then inhale slowly and deeply	0	1
Explains that the patient must form a tight seal around the mouth piece and continue to inhale normally and simultaneously press the button	0	1
Explains that the patient must hold their breath for 10 seconds before exhaling	0	1
Asks the patient to repeat the procedure after 1 minute if relief is not adequate	0	1
Asks the patient to present to accident & emergency or the GP if there is no relief from the inhaler	0	1
Thanks the patient, reassures them appropriately and answers any questions they may have	0	1
Cleans the demonstrating inhaler	0	1
Washes hands	0	1
Avoids any jargon and carries out procedure in a professional manner	0	1
Examiner global score: confidence, methodical and proficient	0	1	2

Advice by Alexandros Sklavounos (Phase 2, 2016)

The mark scheme above was very useful for me. Explain asthma very briefly and explain why it is important to use the inhalers or the peak flow meter to let the patient know how important it is to keep using them. For the inhalers mention that in case the blue inhaler is not effective after 5-10 times they should seek medical help. However, sometimes patients get terrified by this so something like this would work better: “In some cases your blue inhaler might not alleviate your symptoms, so you should keep using it every 30 seconds. In case it doesn’t work after 5-10 times it is important to get medical help. Having said that the likelihood of this happening is significantly minimised by using the brown inhaler as prescribed by the doctor.” For the inhaler station be prepared to explain how to use the spacer as well as how to clean it.

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