Assessment of inhalation technique in older patients with COPD

Learning points Older patients should have their ability to use inhalers regularly assessed and corrected if necessary. Incorrect use of inhalers can lead to polypharmacy by addition of other inhalers, and increase a patient’s side effect burden without achieving desired clinical effect. This sample of older inpatients demonstrated poor inhaler technique hence resulting in poor control of their underlying chronic obstructive lung disease. More frequent checks on the older patient’s inhalation technique should be carried out during their inpatient stay. Introduction Multiple patients are admitted to hospital with inhalers that they are then found to be using incorrectly or are