Skill development regarding use of metered dose inhaler (MDI) amongst school teachers of northern India.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a booklet based training by a nurse on the development of skills regarding use of metered dose inhaler (MDI) among the teachers of the selected schools of Chandigarh, India.

Methods: The present study was undertaken by randomly selecting government schools of Chandigarh from where 91 school teachers were enrolled. A booklet on asthma management containing information regarding asthma, its triggers, signs and symptoms, treatment, types of inhalers and steps of using MDI with spacer was used for training the subjects. Their knowledge and skills were evaluated through observation checklist. Three return demonstrations were taken from each teacher on three successive days. Main outcome measure was skill development of the teachers in the use of MDI with spacer. Pre and post tests scores were compared by repeated measures ANOVA.

Results: Most of the teachers didn't know theoretical or practical aspects of MDI. After training all the teachers performed correctly most of the steps of MDI use. Some teachers performed poorly in giving instruction to breathe in/out slowly and hand washing before/after MDI administration. There was a statistical significant improvement in the performance scores of the teachers after each return demonstration (p < 0.0005).

Conclusions: Training strategy used in the study involving nursing personnel was successful in improving teachers' skills in MDI use for asthma management. More focus should be given on breathe in/out instructions and on hand washing before/after MDI use.