만성폐쇄성폐질환자의 올바른 흡입기 사용법: 서술적 문헌고찰

Proper Use of Inhalers by Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Descriptive Literature Review

Purpose: Through a descriptive literature review, this study analyzed the use of three types of inhalers—pressurized metered- dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and soft mist inhalers—by COPD patients, providing accurate information on inhaler use for patients and health professionals. Methods: A literature search was conducted using keywords such as “COPD,” “inhaler,” and “technique” in two international and two domestic databases. Guidelines and drug information leaflets were identified through a grey literature search. Two trained researchers independently reviewed 41 studies, 10 guidelines, and 21 drug information leaflets, and extracted relevant items for each step. Consensus was reached on the items for each step. Results: The steps for analyzing the use of each inhaler included 2 to 3 preparation stages, 14 to 17 use stages, and 2 to 3 cleaning and storage stages. Differences were found among the three inhaler types, including methods for checking the remaining dose, the number of test sprays required for the first use or after long-term non-use, the need for drug loading, whether shaking the inhaler was necessary, the holding position of the inhaler, the presence of an air vent, and the need for capsule insertion and removal. Conclusion: This study relied on evidence to identify appropriate inhaler use steps and provided detailed instructions to reduce errors across a range of inhaler products. The data derived from this study can contribute to providing useful guidance to both patients and healthcare professionals.