Evaluation of MDI-spacer utilization and technique in caregivers of urban minority children with persistent asthma

Abstract

The caregivers of urban, minority children with persistent asthma lack proper MDI-spacer technique, suggesting the potential value of both targeted short- and long-term educational interventions.

Assessment of skills using a spacer device for a metered‐dose inhaler and related independent predictive factors in caregivers of asthmatic preschool children

“…10,11 We found that correct device use was associated with higher levels of education. Caregivers who were university graduates were 13.5 times more likely to use the device correctly.…”

“…A limited number of previous studies have shown that children diagnosed with asthma and their families do not use the MDI spacer and other assistant devices correctly. 7,10,11 In this study, almost one-half of the caregivers who provided asthma medication for their children did not demonstrate correct use of the device. The most important independent factors that affected correct use were caregiver's being satisfied with the device, having been trained by clinical trainer, a university graduate, a monthly income of more than US$1500, regular followups, and the absence of severe attacks during the last year.…”

“…Reznik et al 10 reported that patients who had a history of hospitalization during the previous year demonstrated correct use of the MDI and the spacer device. They explained that, "It is likely that proper MDI-spacer technique was taught and reinforced during the hospitalization and at discharge by physicians, nurses, pharmacists and respiratory therapists."…”

Population Health Considerations for Pediatric Asthma: Findings from the 2011–2012 California Health Interview Survey

“…A large majority of parents improperly administer inhaled asthma medications to their children. 18 More than 60% of children covered by public health insurance discontinue prescribed asthma medications within 3 months of starting them, with minorities and children from disadvantaged families being more likely to do so. 19 Analyses from the present study show that children with asthma with public health insurance were more likely to delay or not fill prescribed medications because of cost compared to children with private insurance or the general population.…”

Demonstrating and Assessing Metered-Dose Inhaler–Spacer Technique

“…Our prior work demonstrated that parents or adult caregivers of minority children with persistent asthma do not know the proper MDI-S device technique despite 85% of parents reporting that a physician or a nurse had previously demonstrated the technique. 12 The 2007 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute expert panel report recommends that health care providers demonstrate and assess patient and parental MDI-S technique at each health encounter. 8 Previous research demonstrated that providers rarely demonstrate or assess the proper asthma medication technique to children.…”