Questionnaire for assessing the effectiveness of drill training medical students in inhalation techniques

Background : Inhaled medication is the first choice for the management of Bron chial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In order for these medicines to achieve the desired effect, following the proper inhalation technique is nec essary. Patients with asthma and COPD are trained in inhalation techniques by pharma cists, medical doctors, and nurses. All medical doctors who prescribe inhaled medication should be adept at teaching inhalation techniques. Therefore, we surveyed the effective ness of training in inhalation techniques among medical students at Tottori University, Japan. Methods : From September 2016 to September 2017,112 fifth-year medical school students from Tottori University were enrolled in this study. After a short lecture on asthma and COPD by a respiratory specialist, a DVD video containing instructions for each inhalation device was shown. Thereafter, each medical student practiced using each inhalation device based on the video instructions. Then, all the students were sur veyed using a questionnaire regarding which device they considered convenient and acceptable for use and what points they needed to clarify. Results : In total, 37% of the medical students were aware of the importance of mas tering the technique for administering inhaled medication. Furthermore, 28% under stood a diversity of inhalation devices. A quarter of the students those gained knowledge learned how to use the inhalation devices on their own.Conclusion : Practical training in the inhalation techniques of difference devices helped medical students understand the method, importance, and benefits of using these devices.