TY - JOUR T1 - Spacer cleaning: Nurse and patient survey examines current UK practice JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 40 IS - Suppl 56 SP - P2195 AU - Mark Sanders AU - Mark Levy AU - Keely Thompson AU - Ron Bruin Y1 - 2012/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P2195.abstract N2 - Introduction: Washing spacers improves drug delivery by reduction of electrostatic charges, and is hygienic. Contamination of spacers and masks has been shown (JAMA 2003;290: 2, 195-196). The ERS/ISAM guideline (ERJ 2011;37:1308-1331) identified a lack of standard instructions for good spacer cleaning practice.Methods: Online structured interview questionnaires by a market research agency, 100 asthma patients (Pts) using pMDI with spacer and 50 respiratory nurses (RN) to establish current practice. Pts: 49 adults, parents of child aged 2-9 yrs (n=30) or 10-15 yrs (n=21).Results: 74% of RN told Pts to wash spacers weekly, 4% instruct daily and 22% instruct < than weekly. RN reported that Pts describe correct washing; 4% always, 42% mostly, 36% sometimes, 14% rarely and 4% never. RN confidence in patients keeping spacers hygienically was low, with 48% not very or not at all confident, this figure increased to 56% in respect of masks. 71% of Pts said their RN or doctor explained how to wash the spacer, and 63% received drying instructions. 54% were told how to wash and dry, but 24% were not told either; 13% could not recall being told. 21% of adult Pts don't wash + dry their spacer (not been told); 6% of children's spacers were not washed. Of 83 who wash their spacer: 35% do so after each use, 20% every day, 27% once a week and 18% < weekly. 72% report air drying and 27% use a cloth.Conclusions: RN spacer washing instructions frequently conform to manufacturer's instructions. Many Pts wash spacers more frequently than instructed but some do not wash at all; many dry with a cloth which may dissipate the electrostatic benefits of air-drying and encourage contamination. ER -