2004 OPEN FORUM Abstracts
INSPIRATORY FLOW RATES BY RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS USING THE IN-CHECK DIAL
Tim Conlin MS, RRT,
AE-C, St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis IN
Background: Respiratory
therapists are often the instructors of inhalation devices for
patients, such as metered dose inhalers (pMDI) or dry powder inhalers
(DPI). Part of the instruction to use a pMDI is to inhale slowly
while actuating the inhaler. The In-check Dial (Clemente-Clark) is a
tool used to measure inspiratory flow rates for use with various
inhalation devices. It was hypothesized that RT’s would create
a higher inspiratory flow rate when using a pMDI by measurement using
the In-Check Dial.
Method: RT’s in
attendance at a national conference were asked to participate in a
study to determine their ability to inhale at the recommended flow
rate (25-60L/min) using the In-Check Dial set for pMDI. Three initial
measurements were taken, followed by a brief explanation of the
device, and then three more measurements were taken.
Results: 54 RT’s
participated in the study. 35 of the 54 (64%) had inspiratory flow
rates >100L/min and 19 of the 54 (35%) achieved flow rates between
25 and 60L/min. After a brief description, all the RT’s were
able to achieve recommended inspiratory flow rates.
Conclusion: The
majority of RT’s in this sample were not able to reproduce the
correct inspiratory flow rate for a pMDI. After using the In-check
Dial, all of the RT’s were able to inhale at the proper flow
rate. The In-Check Dial can be a valuable tool to help RT’s
instruct proper flow rates with their patients.