Pharmacist-Led Inhaler Training for Nurses
by Shih-Ting (Tina) Cheng, PharmD, Andy Starzinski, PharmD, BCACP, Emma Stoflet, PharmD, BCPS, Melissa Mikelson, RN, Sara Griesbach, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP
"Objective: To evaluate inhaler technique and confidence level in registered nurses educating patients on inhaler use after a pharmacist-led training session.
Methods: Educational handouts for nurses were developed and reviewed for the 13 types of inhaler devices currently prescribed within the Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS). After assessing baseline
inhaler technique and confidence via scoring rubric and questionnaire, respectively, for four of the most prescribed devices out of 13, a live, pharmacist-led inhaler training session with PowerPoint slides and demonstrations was offered to the nurses with the option to listen online concurrently. Inhaler technique and confidence level were re-assessed after the training session. The confidence level and average scores of techniques among participants were compared before and after training to determine whether the training session was beneficial.
Results: A total of six nurses participated in this project. The percentages of inhaler steps correctly performed prior to the training session ranged from 30%–50% at baseline and increased to over 90% for all four devices after training. Nurses who attended the session online concurrently due
to scheduling conflicts had slightly lower post-training scores compared to nurses who attended in person. Confidence level ranged from “not confident” to “extremely confident” before training and from “very confident” to “extremely confident” after training.
Conclusions: A pharmacist-led training session focused on four common inhaler devices enhanced nurses’ inhaler technique and increased their confidence level in using and training patients on these devices. Possible clinical implications include increased quality of care delivery to patients and subsequently decreased disease burden on patients with chronic respiratory conditions requiring inhaled medications."
Keywords: Pharmacists, Cost of Illness, Administration, Inhalation, Nebulizers and Vaporizers, Surveys and Questionnaires, Nurses
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2021 March/April Table of Contents
"Objective: To evaluate inhaler technique and confidence level in registered nurses educating patients on inhaler use after a pharmacist-led training session.
Methods: Educational handouts for nurses were developed and reviewed for the 13 types of inhaler devices currently prescribed within the Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS). After assessing baseline
inhaler technique and confidence via scoring rubric and questionnaire, respectively, for four of the most prescribed devices out of 13, a live, pharmacist-led inhaler training session with PowerPoint slides and demonstrations was offered to the nurses with the option to listen online concurrently. Inhaler technique and confidence level were re-assessed after the training session. The confidence level and average scores of techniques among participants were compared before and after training to determine whether the training session was beneficial.
Results: A total of six nurses participated in this project. The percentages of inhaler steps correctly performed prior to the training session ranged from 30%–50% at baseline and increased to over 90% for all four devices after training. Nurses who attended the session online concurrently due
to scheduling conflicts had slightly lower post-training scores compared to nurses who attended in person. Confidence level ranged from “not confident” to “extremely confident” before training and from “very confident” to “extremely confident” after training.
Conclusions: A pharmacist-led training session focused on four common inhaler devices enhanced nurses’ inhaler technique and increased their confidence level in using and training patients on these devices. Possible clinical implications include increased quality of care delivery to patients and subsequently decreased disease burden on patients with chronic respiratory conditions requiring inhaled medications."
Keywords: Pharmacists, Cost of Illness, Administration, Inhalation, Nebulizers and Vaporizers, Surveys and Questionnaires, Nurses
Download PDF
2021 March/April Table of Contents