RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Medical students' understanding of inhalation therapy & inhalers JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP P1850 VO 42 IS Suppl 57 A1 Jae Won Jeong A1 Chan Sun Park YR 2013 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P1850.abstract AB Background: Few data is available about the assessment of inhaler technique and knowledge on inhalation therapy among medical students.Aim: To evaluate the skill and knowledge of medical students in proper use of three kinds of inhalers(metered dose inhaler, turbuhaler, and diskus) and inhalation therapy.Methods: We enrolled 78 third-year medical students who are on hospital training course. The participants received 1 hour of video instruction from hospital staff. Six weeks later, we assessed their knowledge and skill regarding inhaler use. They were asked to discriminate each type of three devices and to demonstrate the use of each device using placebo inhalers. Also, they were asked about the prevention and management for local adverse reaction induced by inhaled corticosteroids(ICS). Participants’ inhaler skill was assessed into three levels as good, adequate, and inadequate for each device type.Results: Only 23.1% (18/78) of medical students could explain the advantages of inhalation therapy compared to oral route. 93.6% (73/78) of participants could not discriminate all types of inhaler devices. Subjects with good inhaler skill was found in 26.9% for metered dose inhaler, 9.0% for turbuhaler, and 11.5% for diskus. With regards to prevention and treatment option for ICS-related local side effects, only 17.9% (14/78) answered correctly.Conclusions: We conclude that large percent of medical students were deficient in knowledge and inhalation skills regarding the inhalers. An educational session with video instruction by hospital staff was not effective in enhancing inhaler technique nor increasing knowledge on inhaler treatment.