Spacers for pressurised metered-dose inhalers — resources released

The National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) has released a new, comprehensive suite of resources to encourage the use of spacers with pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs).

“Only about one in 10 patients can correctly perform all the steps in using a pMDI and three-quarters of patients using a pMDI make at least one error when using their inhaler,” said Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby, pharmacist and Clinical Executive Lead, NAC.

“The new suite of resources from the NAC will help health professionals to ensure that every patient prescribed a pMDI knows how to use a spacer and use it when needed or as directed.”

Resources include:

• a chart — the ‘Spacers for pressurised metered-dose inhalers’ chart is designed to go on the wall of the clinic or pharmacy to help health professionals identify and explain the range of spacers available; with it also intended for use to start a conversation about the benefits of using a spacer with a pMDI.
• an updated fact sheet — the ‘Spacer use and care’ fact sheet  can be used by healthcare professionals to help explain to patients and carers why a spacer is so important and also the types of spacers available, with tips for using and cleaning a spacer and puffer.
• an information sheet — the ‘AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Spacers for pressurised metered-dose inhalers’ information sheet is intended to assist health professionals in discussing the benefits of spacers with patients.
• a video — the ‘How to use a metered dose inhaler (puffer) with a spacer for adults’ video provides step-by-step instructions and tips on how to correctly use an AeroChamber spacer with a pMDI and also showing how to use an AeroChamber spacer with a mask.
   

“The spacer helps the medication reach the small airways where it is most needed and this is important for both adults and children,” Rigby said. “The use of a pMDI with a spacer is at least as effective and safe as use of a nebuliser and spacers should be selected individually to fit the pMDI.”

It is recommended by the NAC that spacers should be used by:

• all children aged four years and under;
• anyone taking a corticosteroid preventer medication using an pMDI/puffer;
• anyone who has trouble coordinating the ‘press and breathe’ technique when using an pMDI/puffer;
• anyone taking a reliever pMDI/puffer for asthma symptoms.