Resources
Help with Proper Inhaler Technique
Assessing your patient’s inhaler technique with little to no feedback?
Zig Ziglar says “If you AIM at nothing, you will hit it every time.” As clinicians, when instructing patients on any medication device the desired AIM is correct technique and understanding. The solution is the AIM™ (Aerosol Inhalation Monitor). It helps you to achieve that very thing while giving valuable feedback to you and your patient, simple and effective.
Here’s how it works; after determining the type of inhaler to be instructed and verbal instructions given, attach a simulator and have the patient show you what they’ve got. The AIM begins by measuring inhaler actuation (on hfa mdi; this is imperative to note for seniors and kids), the mean inspiratory pressure, length of inspiratory time, breath hold time, and finally shows medication deposition in the lungs. There is no other device/ method on the market that has this simple direct feedback for both patients and clinicians.
Using in conjunction with CPT code 94664 during an office visit reimburses on average around $20 nationally. However, in pediatric patients using mask chamber, it does not measure tidal breathing tech. The video demo below is dry but allows you to see how it works utilizing disposable simulators for mdi (with placebo hfa) and dpi.
I provide a simulator for each patient and ask that they bring it back with their inhalers for visits. While this does not happen 100% of the time, I find that they do a reasonably well at returning with it.
As an RT, I have been observing/ teaching correct inhaler technique for many years, since adding the use of the AIM with my patients, I have found feedback and results to be invaluable! Often there is not a need to increase medication dose but rather to correct the medication delivery!
It has changed my practice and will change yours too!
