RESPIRATORY

METERED-DOSE INHALER TECHNIQUE

Introduction

5 min

Introduce yourself and the group

Provide rationale for the session and relevance to clinical practice

Outline learning objectives:

Recognise common metered dose inhalers used for asthma and chronic obstructive respiratory disease
Demonstrate appropriate explanation of MDI technique to a patient

Explain structure of session

Total time:

20 min

Number of students:

4-8

Grade of students:

2nd year medical students

Created by:

Dr Charlotte Hayden

Uploaded:

24th September 2019

Last updated:

24th September 2019

Resources needed for this session:

Demonstration placebo inhalers, range of varieties if possible

Resources linked to this session:

Asthma

COPD

Activity 1: Overview of various inhalers

2 min

Give a brief overview of different inhaler types. Allow students to look at and use each of the devices including dry powder, metered-dose and automatic dose.

Click here for a useful handout or visual aid, giving an overview of some of the most common types.

Activity 2: Demonstration of using an MDI device

10 min

Demonstrate the appropriate technique of using an MDI device. Follow the steps below:

Remove the cap from the inhaler.
Shake the inhaler.
Test the inhaler.
Hold the inhaler with index finger on top of the canister and thumb on the bottom of the mouthpiece.
Ask patient to stand (if they are able to do so) or sit up straight
Tilt head slightly back
Ask patient to exhale (away from the inhaler) as fully as comfortable
Ask the patient to put the mouthpiece of the inhaler in their mouth (between teeth with lips gently closed around mouthpiece—do not bite) and start to take breath in as they press the canister down. Pressure on the canister will release a puff of medicine. Do this while inhaling steadily and deeply.
Ask patient to hold breath for 10 seconds.
Ask patient to exhale slowly (away from the inhaler).
Repeat if required/instructed to take 2 or more puffs.