1Lecturer, Manipal College of Medical Science, (Nursing Programme) Pokhara, Nepal
*Corresponding Author: Rana Manamaya Lecturer, Manipal College of Medical Science (Nursing Programme), Pokhara, Nepal Phone No.: 9846137501, 061551064, Email: ranamanamaya@ymail.com
Online published on 6 September, 2018.
The prevalence of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing worldwide. Asthma and COPD patients are mainly treated with inhaled medication.
To assess the correct technique of rotahaler inhalation among patients with COPD or Asthma.
The descriptive study was carried out among 101 patients with COPD or Asthma. All adult patients diagnosed COPD or Asthma who had been prescribed rotahaler since last 2 month and admitted in medical ward between April to June 2017 were included in this study. The non probability purposive sampling technique was used.
A structured rotahaler specific checklist was used to assess rotahaler inhalation technique. The collected data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistic.
Out of 101 participants, 88(87.1%) COPD patients, 54(53.5%) were female. The mean age of participants was 68.53 yrs. Majority of them were hindu 88(87.1%), bramin 32(31.7%), illiterate 69(68.3%), household worker 54(53.5%). Almost 87(86.1%) of them were past smoker. Regarding cooking fuel, 54(53.5%) of them used fire wood. Out of 101 participants, only 30(29.7%) patients could perform all steps correctly and 71(70.3%) patients did one or more errors during inhalation. The most common error were seen in removing rotahaler from mouth and hold breath for 5–10 seconds in 53.5% patients and exhalation to residual volume before inhalation in 49.5% patients. There was no significant association between inhalation technique with educational status, experience of rotahaler used and health personnel who gave instruction. However, significant association was seen in inhalation technique with age.
Though use of rotahaler is common and easier than other inhaler devices, still incorrect use of rotahaler is highly prevalent. It suggest that patients on a long-term inhaled therapy also need to be checked regularly about the use of their inhaler and trained accordingly.
Asthma, COPD, Inhalation technique, Inpatients, Rotahaler
