Fábio Pereira Muchão, Sílvia La Regina Rodrigues Perín, Joaquim Carlos Rodrigues,
Cláudio Leone, Luiz Vicente Ribeiro Ferreira Silva Filho
Objective: To evaluate health professionals working at a tertiary pediatric hospital in terms of their knowledge regarding the practical use
of metered-dose inhalers. Methods: Practical and written tests on the use of metered-dose inhalers were applied to physicians, physical
therapists, nurses and nursing assistants. A score from 0 to 10 was assigned to each evaluation, and median scores were calculated for each
professional category. Questions with higher and lower correct values were identified, and a descriptive comparison was made regarding
the performance of the various professional categories. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis method for comparison
of medians. A sequential logistic multiple regression analysis was also performed. Results: A total of 30 resident physicians or interns in
the pediatrics department, 23 attending physicians, 29 physical therapists, 33 nurses and 31 nursing assistants were evaluated. Resident
physicians, physical therapists and attending physicians performed significantly better than did nurses and nursing assistants. Only resident
physicians had a median score greater than 6. Conclusions: The health professionals evaluated, particularly the nurses and nursing assistants,
who are directly involved in the practical use of metered-dose inhalers, possess insufficient knowledge regarding the use of such inhalers.
Keywords: Metered dose inhalers; Inhalation spacers; Asthma; Education, public health professional.