Asthma Inhalers: Review to Improve Inhaler Competence Among Providers

Asthma Inhalers: Review to Improve Inhaler Competence Among Providers is organized by UC San Diego School of Medicine, Continuing Medical Education.,Release Date: October 12, 2020,Expiration Date: October 11, 2023,Activity Description:,This module on Asthma Inhalers is a web-based presentation featuring Dr. Michelle Dilley and Dr. Bob Geng from UC San Diego and Rady Children's. It is designed to improve inhaler competence among providers by reviewing the various types of inhaler devices including the mechanisms, appropriate techniques through video demonstrations, advantages and disadvantages to help providers feel more confident teaching patients how to use their inhalers, prescribe the optimal devices for certain patients, and overall improve asthma health outcomes.,Educational Objectives:,Upon completion of this program, participants should be able to:,• Describe the different types of inhalers,• Apply the skills and techniques for properly using the various inhaler devices,• Demonstrate to patients how to use the various types of inhalers,• Select the most appropriate inhaler devices for patients based on individual needs,Statement of Need:,Many providers are unfamiliar with the wide variety and complexity of asthma inhaler delivery devices making it challenging to effectively teach patients and prescribe the most appropriate devices. This module on asthma inhalers has been developed to improve inhaler competence among providers. This activity will review the mechanisms, techniques, advantages and disadvantages of the various inhaler devices including metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs), the new breath-activated MDI and soft mist inhalers (SMIs). Demonstrations of proper techniques for the different devices will help providers feel more confident teaching patients how to correctly use their inhalers and overall improve asthma control and patient outcomes. Understanding the various inhaler device options and characteristics that can impact patient preference and effective use will also help providers better match inhaler devices to individual patients.