Handling Errors in the Use of Inhalation Devices: Inhalation Technique Skills and Knowledge in Pediatric Nurses.

BACKGROUND Children suffering from bronchial diseases need assistance from nurses in the use of inhalation devices. PURPOSE We aimed to assess nurses' skills and knowledge concerning drug administration with inhalation devices in hospitalized pediatric patients. METHODS An expert panel defined medication errors in drug administration with inhalation devices in children. We monitored 241 inhalation procedures to investigate nurses' inhalation technique skills. Twenty-nine nurses completed a questionnaire to assess nurses' knowledge. RESULTS Skills: In 93 of 241 (39%) inhalation procedures, the mask/mouthpiece did not fit airtight. In none of the 11 inhalations administering a glucocorticoid, the patient's mouth was thoroughly cleaned afterward. Knowledge: Ten of 29 nurses (34%) thought a distance between mask and the patient's face was acceptable. Only 16 of 29 (55%) knew that it is necessary to thoroughly clean the patient's mouth after the inhalation of budesonide. CONCLUSIONS We found that education on inhalation procedures including practical training is required to increase patient safety.