Assessment of Paediatric resident doctors’ knowledge of metered dose inhaler (MDI) device technique and use

Background: Inhalational therapy is a major component of asthma management, with efficacy dependent on the patient’s inhalation technique. Proper patient education determines technique mastery and inhalation outcomes. Every paediatrician may be faced with the need to either prescribe or reinforce the technique of inhaler therapy in asthmatic patients. This study was thus embarked upon to ascertain the depth of inhaler technique knowledge of Nigerian paediatricians in training. Objectives: To ascertain the knowledge of senior registrars in paediatrics about the technique and use of MDIs. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive survey in which all consenting paediatric senior registrars, who were present at the 2016 Health Resource management course organized by both Postgraduate Medical colleges in Nigeria, were recruited. Knowledge of critical steps of Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) device technique was assessed via a self administered questionnaire. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Results: Fifty five Paediatric senior registrars (21 males, 34 females) were recruited. Their ages ranged from 24 to 44years with modal age of 32years. Inhaler prescription had been made by up to 74.5% of them within the past 6 months, with 51.2% of these prescribing within the past month. Basic knowledge on inhaler use was obtained from postgraduate training in 32.7% and medical school in 23.6%. The knowledge score was good in 14.5% of them and poor in 85.5%. Conclusion: This study has shown that many Nigerian paediatricians in training lack the basic knowledge of MDI technique. Recommendations: There is need to reinforce training on basic inhaler technique skills of paediatric resident doctors as this will positively impact on asthma control.