Optimizing inhaler use by pharmacist-provided education to community-dwelling elderly.

Objective: To assess, using a standard observational tool, the ability of patients to demonstrate and maintain proper inhaled medication administration techniques following pharmacist education.

Design: Six-month observational study.

Setting: Patients' homes or adult day health center.

Participants: Patients in a Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) prescribed one or more inhaled medications used at least once daily.

Intervention: Instruction by on-site clinical pharmacist.

Measurements: Hickey's Pharmacies Inhaler Technique assessment (score range: 0-20, higher better).

Results: Forty-two patients were evaluated at baseline, taught proper techniques for using inhaled medications, assessed immediately following the education, and re-assessed 4-6 weeks later. The mean pre-assessment score was 14 (SD 4.5, range 0-20), the initial post-assessment score increased to 18 (SD 3, range 10-20). The second post-assessment (4-6 weeks later) score mean was 17.7 (SD 3, range 10-20). Both follow-up scores were significantly improved from baseline (p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis indicated the strongest predictors of second post-training score were: score after initial pharmacist training and being subscribed to auto-refill. These characteristics predicted ∼70% of the variance in the second score (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: These results indicate that education by a pharmacist combined with an auto-refill program can improve and sustain appropriate inhaler use by community-dwelling elders in a PACE program. The improved score was maintained 4-6 weeks later indicating a sustained benefit of medication administration education. Optimal inhaler use ensures optimal dosing and supports appropriate inhaler treatment in lieu of oral agents.