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This Article Full Text (PDF) Free All Versions of this Article: chest.06-2765v1 131/6/1776    most recent Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Personal Article Archive Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Al-Showair, R. A. Articles by Chrystyn, H. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Al-Showair, R. A. Articles by Chrystyn, H.

The potential of a 2Tone Trainer to help patients use their metered dose inhalers.

¹School of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP and ²Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, LS1 3EX

h.chrystyn{at}brad.ac.uk

Abstract

BackgroundMany patients have problems using the correct inhalation technique when they use their metered dose inhalers (MDIs). We have investigated whether a training aid, the 2Tone Trainer, helps to maintain the correct inhaler technique after patients leave the clinic

MethodsEthical committee approval was obtained and patients gave consent. Asthmatics prescribed a MDI had their inhalation technique assessed. Their peak inhalation flow (PIF) when using their MDI, FEV₁ and Juniper's Asthma Quality of Life (AQLQ) were measured. Those using the recommended MDI technique were the good technique group (GT). The remainder were randomised to receive verbal training (VT) or VT plus the 2Tone Trainer (2T) to improve their MDI technique. All patients returned 6 weeks later.

Results36, 35 and 36 asthmatics completed the GT, VT and 2T procedures. FEV₁ did not change within all groups between visit 1 and 2. PIF and AQLQ did not change in the GT group. In the VT and 2T groups AQLQ increased by a mean difference (95% confidence interval) of 0.33 (0.14, 0.53, p<0.001) and 0.74 (0.62, 0.86, p<0.001). At visit 1 all VT and 2T patients inhaled >90 L min^-1 decreasing to 12 and 1, respectively, at visit 2 (p<0.001 both groups). The overall changes in the 2T group for PIF and AQLQ, between visit 1 and 2, were significantly (p<0.001) greater than corresponding changes in the VT group.

ConclusionThe 2Tone trainer helps patients to maintain the recommended MDI technique post training with improvements in Asthma Quality of Life.

Key Words: 2Tone trainer • asthma quality of life • slow inhalation rate • metered dose inhaler