Barriers to Metered‐dose Inhaler/spacer Use in Canadian Pediatric Emergency Departments: A National Survey

Background Metered‐dose inhalers and spacers (MDI+S) are at least as effective as nebulizers for treating children with mild to moderate asthma exacerbations. Despite advantages in terms of efficacy, side effects, and ease of use, MDI+S are not used in many North American pediatric emergency departments (PEDs). Objectives To survey emergency physicians, emergency nurses, and respirologists in Canadian pediatric teaching hospitals regarding their practices, beliefs, and barriers to change with respect to bronchodilator delivery. Methods This was a cross‐sectional, mailed survey of all emergency physicians, all respirologists, and a random sample of emergency nurses at ten Canadian PEDs. Results A total of 291 of 349 health care professionals (83%) responded. Twenty‐one percent of emergency physicians use MDI+S in the PED (largely concentrated at two “user sites”). A majority at nonuser sites, and virtually all professionals at user sites, responded that MDI+S are at least as effective as nebulizers, switching to MDI+S is justified by existing research, patient outcomes would be equal or better, and they have the required knowledge and skills to use MDI+S in the emergency department. The largest perceived barriers to MDI+S implementation include concerns regarding safety and costs, related to feasibility of providing and sterilizing spacers, and parental expectations for nebulizers. Other barriers included staff beliefs regarding the effectiveness of MDI+S, changes in nursing workload, and lack of a physician champion for change. Conclusions MDI+S are infrequently used to treat patients with acute asthma in Canadian PEDs, despite the fact that most emergency staff believe they are effective. Important barriers to using MDI+S have been identified in this study and should be used to guide future implementation strategies.