Competence of pediatric residents and nurses in metered-dose inhaler techniques for asthma patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital

Abstract

Introduction:  A Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) is a device containing dissolved or suspended drugs to deliver drugs for pulmonary diseases efficiently. However, studies in Ethiopia show low competency among health professionals. Thus, we assessed the competency of residents and nurses working in a tertiary hospital.

Methods: From June to September 2022, 181 pediatrics and child health department residents and nurses participated in a pretested questionnaire and MDI technique practice. The knowledge score for residents and nurses was determined based on correct answers to questions from 0 to 6 for residents and 0 to 5 for nurses. Good knowledge was defined as a score of 80–100%, moderate knowledge from 60–79%, and poor knowledge from <60% of the total score. The good practice was ≥7 from 11 and all essential steps, while the poor practice was <7 of the total score and skipped essential steps. The chi-square or Fisher exact test was employed to compare groups as appropriate. The 95% confidence interval and a p-value of 0.05 were used to determine statistical significance. . 

Results: Of the 181 study participants, 103 (56.9%) were residents. The participants' mean age was 32. MDI technique knowledge was poor for more than half of the residents (52.4%) and 46.4% of the nurses. Twenty-six (14.4%) of participants practiced the MDI technique steps, scoring 7 out of 11 steps. However, only 3.3% practiced the technique correctly. Whereas only 5.8% of residents and 0% of nurses practiced the essential steps of the MDI technique. When using a new inhaler drug, nearly half of the participants (47%) did not assess the patients' practice.

Conclusion: Healthcare professionals' competency in performing the MDI technique is low. Appropriate training programs are needed to enhance their ability to use inhaled devices and ensure successful drug delivery.