Development and evaluation of an innovative model of inter-professional education focused on asthma medication use

Sinthia Z Bosnic-Anticevich, Meg Stuart, Judith Mackson, Biljana Cvetkovski, Erica Sainsbury, Carol Armour, Sofia Mavritsakis, Gosia Mendrela, Pippa Travers-Mason, Margaret Williamson

Inter-professional learning has been promoted as the solution to many clinical management issues. One such issue is the correct use of asthma inhaler devices. Up to 80% of people with asthma use their inhaler device incorrectly. The implications of this are poor asthma control and quality of life. Correct inhaler technique can be taught, however these educational instructions need to be repeated if correct technique is to be maintained. It is important to maximise the opportunities to deliver this education in primary care. In light of this, it is important to explore how health care providers, in particular pharmacists and general medical practitioners, can work together in delivering inhaler technique education to patients, over time. Therefore, there is a need to develop and evaluate effective inter-professional education, which will address the need to educate patients in the correct use of their inhalers as well as equip health care professionals with skills to engage in collaborative relationships with each other.