Successful implementation of spacer treatment guideline for acute asthma

Abstract

Aims - To develop and implement an evidence based guideline for the treatment of acute asthma using a metered dose inhaler and spacer combination. Methods - Defined strategies were used for the development and implementation of a guideline, assessed by a prospective, descriptive, study using notes review, and patient, nursing, and medical staff telephone contact. The setting was a tertiary referral hospital in Victoria, Australia with 25 000 yearly admissions, and asthma accounting for about 7% of total. The first 200 children and families to use the guideline after its introduction were evaluated. Results - A total of 191 (95.5%) children were treated according to the guideline. Six (3.0%) ..