Assessment of Inhaler Technique in Patients Attending a Chest Hospital in Riyadh City

The study population consisted of patients diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), who were maintained on MDIs. The data was collected through structured questionnaire on demographic data, patient information characteristics and possible factors that might affect proper MDI utilization and scoring system to assess the technique. The results obtained demonstrated defective use of MDIs, which warrants education of the society and public awareness. Health professionals, including pharmacists should be well prepared to train the patients for their correct use. The present study concludes that most patients use the inhalers incorrectly. Thus, education of the society is an important factor that may increase public awareness about medication and therefore improve patient compliance. More studies are needed to assess health professionals' knowledge about use of inhalers and role of pharmacists in teaching patients their proper use.