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GMC #15/Prescribing taught Y1
Instruct on inhaled-medication devices
Explain to a patient how to use an inhaler correctly, including spacers, and check their technique is correct.
Target · Perform independently0% ready
Do it yourself on a patient, with support available if you need it — the GMC’s highest new-grad level (“indirect supervision”).
Overview
Poor inhaler technique is a leading cause of “uncontrolled” asthma. A teaching station — explain, demonstrate, then check the patient does it.
Key numbers
- pMDI: slow, deep inhalation while actuating; breath-hold ~10 s; wait ~30 s between dosesBTS/SIGN asthma
- Always use a spacer for children and anyone with poor coordination; rinse the mouth after an inhaled steroidBTS/SIGN
Indications
- Asthma & COPD — reliever and preventer inhalers
Equipment
pMDI (metered-dose inhaler) ± spacerPlacebo device for demonstration
Step by step
pMDI technique
- 1Remove the cap and shake the inhaler
- 2Breathe out fully
- 3Seal the lips around the mouthpiece
- 4Press the canister while starting a slow, deep inhalation
- 5Hold the breath for ~10 seconds
- 6Wait ~30 seconds before a second dose
With a spacer
- 1Attach the inhaler to the spacer; one puff at a time
- 2Either tidal breathing (5 breaths) or a single slow breath + 10-second hold
- 3Spacers improve delivery and reduce oropharyngeal deposition
Aftercare
- 1Rinse the mouth after an inhaled corticosteroid (reduces oral candidiasis/hoarseness)
- 2Check and correct the patient’s technique
OSCE tips
- Get the patient to demonstrate back — technique-checking is marked.
- Slow, deep breath (not fast) — a common error.
- Rinse mouth after steroids; spacer for children/poor coordination.
Watch
Read
Sources & credits
Authored to UK finals standard and verified against UK guidance (BTS) and Geeky Medics OSCE guides . Southampton teaching materials © University of Southampton. Always follow current local policy.