The objective of this study is to determine if the Aerosol Inhalation Monitor (AIM) can assist patients in learning correct inhaler technique and assess retention. A 9-month study was conducted in 5 Midwest pharmacies. Patients were eligible if they had filled a prescription for a metered-dose inhaler within 6 months. Consenting patients demonstrated their inhaler technique using the AIM. If they used improper technique, patients were trained and allowed to retry. Positive test patients (2 consecutive proper technique demonstrations without aid of the gauges) were assessed in 2 to 3 weeks for retention. Of 33 patients, 2 used their inhaler correctly without training. After 2 training periods, 48.5% of these patients failed to demonstrate correct technique. The AIM can assist pharmacists in inhaler technique training and can promote partnerships in the care of asthma patients by determining the need for spacers, alternative delivery methods, or further training.
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