Many people use metered dose inhalers in a sub-optimal way and could gain greater benefit if instructed in the correct technique¹. In particular, people whose command of English is poor may not normally receive adequate instruction, although this aspect has never been studied. The aim of this study was to assess the inhaler technique of a cohort of Turkish speaking people using metered dose inhalers and currently residing in the UK. A variety of educational strategies to improve the inhaler technique in such people was also examined.

Seventy Turkish speaking people with a generally poor command of the English language and using metered dose inhalers were recruited by a Turkish advocate through GP surgeries or various support networks. They were allocated to one of two groups; either receiving instruction in their own language using a multimedia computer system, or via traditional methods employing a translated leaflet and verbal explanation. The inhaler technique of all subjects was filmed both before and after any instructions were given. These videos were then digitised to allow playback through a computer and assessed by two blind independent observers.

The last ten patients are currently being recruited through a single GP practice. Initial analysis of global inhaler scores indicates that in most cases technique is poor and about half of the subjects benefited through either method of instruction. Also a separate study of similar design using English speakers found a much better level of inhaler technique. Detailed analysis of changes in inhaler technique will be presented on all of the patients recruited.

Stapleton LJ, Lidell H, Daly M. Inhaler technique - a pilot study comparing verbal and computer counselling. Pharmaceutical Journal1996; 256:866-867