Mason, N., Roberts, N., Yard, N. and Partridge, M. (2008) Nebulisers or spacers for the administration of bronchodilators to those with asthma attending emergency departments? Respiratory Medicine, 102(7), pp. 993-998. (doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2008.02.009)
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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2008.02.009
Abstract
<p><b>Background</b></p> <p>Systematic reviews and national guidelines conclude that the nebulised route of administration of bronchodilators has no advantage over the use of a spacer in moderately severe exacerbations of asthma. Whether this recommendation is implemented and whether it might affect use of staff time is unknown.</p> <p><b>Objectives</b></p> <p>To determine the current method of administration of bronchodilators to those with non-life-threatening asthma attending emergency departments (ED) in London, UK and to monitor the implementation of a new policy to administer bronchodilators by spacers in one ED with a special reference to the time taken by nurses to administer the therapy by two different routes.</p> <p><b>Methods</b></p> <p>Thirty-five EDs in Greater London were surveyed regarding their current practice. A time and motion study was then undertaken in one department observing nurses administering bronchodilators in the 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after a departmental policy change to favour the use of spacer devices rather than nebulisers.</p> <p><b>Results</b></p> <p>The majority of EDs (94.3%) in Greater London were using the nebulised route of administering bronchodilators to the majority of their adult patients. Spacers were more commonly used for the treatment of children (60.3% of departments using spacers and nebulisers or spacers alone). Over half of the hospitals surveyed (51.4%) were unaware that the British Guidelines on Asthma Management suggested that outcomes were the same and that there were potential advantages in the use of a spacer for both adults and children. Time and motion studies showed that the use of a spacer took no more nursing time than administration of the bronchodilator via a nebuliser; in fact treatment and set-up time were considerably lower for spacers.</p> <p><b>Conclusion</b></p> <p>Spacer administration of bronchodilators to those with asthma attending EDs utilises less treatment time than use of a nebuliser. A survey of EDs in Greater London has shown that despite guideline conclusions there appears to be little evidence of reduction in use of nebulisers; a fear that use of alternatives might take nurses longer is not supported by this study.</p>
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Roberts, Dr Nicola |
Authors: | Mason, N., Roberts, N., Yard, N., and Partridge, M. |
Subjects: | R Medicine > R Medicine (General) |
College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences |
Journal Name: | Respiratory Medicine |
Publisher: | Elsevier Ltd |
ISSN: | 0954-6111 |
ISSN (Online): | 1532-3064 |
Published Online: | 18 April 2008 |
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