Scribd
Upload
1K views2 pages

Inhaler Technique: OSCE Checklist

The document outlines the steps for assessing a patient's inhaler technique during a consultation. It involves introducing yourself, checking the patient's understanding, demonstrating proper use of their inhaler, having them demonstrate back to you, providing feedback to refine their technique, answering any questions, and arranging a follow up to re-assess. Key steps include shaking the inhaler, breathing out fully before inhaling the medication slowly and deeply, holding their breath for 10 seconds, and rinsing their mouth if using a steroid inhaler.

Uploaded by

Nur Farhana Athirah Azhari
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
1K views2 pages

Inhaler Technique: OSCE Checklist

The document outlines the steps for assessing a patient's inhaler technique during a consultation. It involves introducing yourself, checking the patient's understanding, demonstrating proper use of their inhaler, having them demonstrate back to you, providing feedback to refine their technique, answering any questions, and arranging a follow up to re-assess. Key steps include shaking the inhaler, breathing out fully before inhaling the medication slowly and deeply, holding their breath for 10 seconds, and rinsing their mouth if using a steroid inhaler.

Uploaded by

Nur Farhana Athirah Azhari
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

OSCE Checklist: Inhaler Technique

Opening the consultation


1 Wash your hands and don PPE if appropriate

2 Introduce yourself to the patient including your name and role

3 Confirm the patient's name and date of birth

4 Check the patient’s current understanding of inhaler technique, allowing you to better tailor
your explanation
5 Position the patient so that they are sitting comfortably

6 Ask the patient if they have any pain or shortness of breath before beginning your
explanation of inhaler technique

Explanation
7 Explain what an inhaler is

8 Explain what type of inhaler(s) the patient is prescribed and how they work

9 Explain when each inhaler type should be taken

10 Check the patient's understanding by asking them to repeat the key points back to you

Demonstration
11 Advise the patient to test the device if appropriate and check the dose counter and expiry
date
12 Hold the inhaler upright

13 Remove the cap from the inhaler and inspect to make sure there is nothing inside the inhaler
mouthpiece
14 Shake the inhaler well

15 Sit or stand up straight and slightly tilt your chin up. This position helps the medication to
better reach the lungs.
16 Breathe out gently and slowly away from the inhaler until your lungs feel empty

17 Put your lips around the mouthpiece of the inhaler to create a tight seal

18 Start to breathe in slowly and steadily whilst at the same time pressing the canister on the
inhaler once
19 Continue to breathe in slowly until your lungs feel full

20 Remove the inhaler from your mouth and seal your lips

21 Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as you are comfortably able to

22 Breathe out gently, away from your inhaler

23 Once you have finished using your inhaler, replace the cap. If you’ve used an inhaler that
contains steroids, rinse your mouth with water to reduce the chance of side effects.

24 If you’ve been prescribed a second puff, wait 30 seconds to a minute before repeating the
previous steps
Assess the patient’s inhaler technique
25 Ask the patient to use their own inhaler as demonstrated and observe their technique

26 Provide feedback based on what you observe to allow the patient to refine their technique

27 Provide an explanation of how to use a spacer device if relevant

Closing the consultation


28 Check if the patient has any questions regarding inhaler technique

29 Advise the patient to use their inhalers as directed

30 Explain the potential side effects they may experience when using their inhalers

31 Advise that if the patient has an asthma attack that does not respond to their salbutamol
inhaler after 10 puffs (with 30 seconds between each puff) they should call 999 for urgent
medical assessment
32 Provide an information leaflet for the relevant inhaler device

33 Arrange a follow-up appointment to re-assess the patient’s inhaler technique

34 Thank the patient for their time

35 Dispose of PPE appropriately and wash your hands

Read the full guide at Download our


[Link] GEEKY MEDICS clinical skills app

You might also like