Checklists for the Assessment of Correct Inhalation Therapy.

Introduction For the long-term treatment of obstructive lung diseases inhalation therapy with drugs being delivered directly to the lungs as an aerosol has become the method of choice. However, patient-related mistakes in inhalation techniques are frequent and recognized to be associated with reduced disease control. Since the assessment of patient-mistakes in inhalation has yet not been standardized, the present study was aimed at developing checklists for the assessment of correct inhalation. Methods Checklists were developed in German by an expert panel of pneumologists and professionally translated into English following back-translation procedures. The checklists comparably assessed three major steps of inhalation: 1) inhalation preparation, 2) inhalation routine, and 3) closure of inhalation. Results Checklists for eight frequently used inhalers were developed: Aerolizer, Breezhaler, Diskus (Accuhaler), metered-dose inhaler, Handihaler, Novolizer, Respimat, Turbohaler. Each checklist consists of ten items: three for inhalation preparation, six for inhalation routine, and one for closure of inhalation. Discussion Standardized checklists for frequently used inhalers are available in German and English. These checklists can be used for clinical routines or for clinical trials. All checklists can be downloaded free of charge for non-profit application from the homepage of the German Airway League (Deutsche Atemwegsliga e. V.): www.atemwegsliga.de.

[Correct Inhalation Therapy for Patients with Cystic Fibrosis Provided by Internet-based Video Clips of the German Airway League]. / Richtig inhalieren bei Mukoviszidose: Internet-verfügbare Videoclips der Deutschen Atemwegsliga e.V.

Adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) are increasingly having difficulties to take over the complete responsibility for their daily treatment. Particularly inhalative therapy poses special problems. In order to overcome this unsatisfactory situation typically occurring during this vulnerable period, the German Airway League has now created a poster "Correct Inhalation Therapy For Patients With Cystic Fibrosis", according to the model presented by this League already in 2013 for correct inhalation under certain disease conditions. This give an opportunity to adolescents and young adults with CF to obtain anonymously, independently of time and location, autonomously and in a time-saving manner information on correct inhalative treatment. Adolescents and young adults with CF can thus be actively supported on their way to independence. Furthermore, the video clips and the poster offer support physicians, nurses and physiotherapists and can be employed in training of all involved persons in inhalation techniques.

[Correct inhalation therapy: instructions provided by Internet-based video screens. An initiative of the German Airway League]. / Korrekte Inhalationstherapie: Einweisung mittels Internet-verfügbarer Filmsequenzen. Eine Initiative der Deutschen Atemwegsliga e.V.

BACKGROUND: Inhalation therapy is well recognized as a cornerstone treatment of airway diseases. In daily practice, however, high failure rates of inhalation technique are evident, which substantially attenuates the treatment success. METHODS: In 2011 the German Airway League has initiated the production of video screens for correct inhalation aimed at providing an efficient and globally available platform for information. All devices regularly used have been filmed and published via internet and DVD; thereby, video screens, spoken text passages, and visual insertion of information have been combined. Here, all important steps of inhalation therapy like preparation, performance, and termination have been covered. RESULTS: Video screens of 20 different devices lasting between 1:42 and 3:11 min:sec have been produced between July 2011 and January 2013 and published on the YouTube channel of the German Airway League with more than 70.000 clicks so far (27. February 2013). CONCLUSIONS: Pragmatic, internet-based video screens on the correct inhalation therapy are available and are cost-free. Further studies aimed at evaluating the benefits of these screens are necessary.