ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the skills in using inhalers among the asthmatic patients who visited the out-patient clinic and whether or not the nursing intervention could further improve the efficacy of the drug delivery device. Methods 321 asthmatic patients who had visited the clinic and prescribed inhalers from April to December 2009 were investigated of the basic status, former medication history and skills in using metered dose inhaler (MDI) and dry powder inhaler (DPI). Nursing intervention had been carried out and the results were analyzed. Results Subjects belonging to different educational level groups were significantly different in mastering skills using MDI and DPI after reading instructions. There also existed significant difference between MDI and DPI users. Among patients who had already used inhalers, there was significant difference between subjects who had received instruction from medical personnel and subjects who had only read paper directions. Nursing intervention could significantly improve the skills in handling the device. Conclusions Proper skills in using inhalers could not be possessed just by reading paper directions. Instructions or even multimedia presentation from medical personnel are vital for asthmatic patients to master the skills in using MDI and DPI.