Competency of metered-dose inhaler use among community pharmacy dispensers in Ibb, Yemen: A simulation method study

The objectives of this study aims to assess community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians skills about Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI) technique use in Ibb, Yemen and to identify factors that may affect the competency of MDIs technique use. The current study was a cross-sectional s conducted among community pharmacies dispensers in Ibb, Yemen. A simulated patient method was used to evaluate the community pharmacy dispenser’s competency about MDI technique use. Out of 64 community pharmacies included in the analysis, only three (4.7%) had a full-time registered pharmacist, whereas 61 (95.3%) operated by pharmacy technicians. All participants were males and the mean age of the respondents was 30.48 ± 4.11 years. Among the respondents 70 % had a working experience of more than five years. There was a significant difference (p value = 0.000) between the community pharmacists and community pharmacy technicians regarding knowledge of MDI appropriate use. All community pharmacists in this study showed a good knowledge towards MDI appropriate use while only one community pharmacy technicians (1.6%) had a good knowledge. Factors that affect MDI appropriate use were previous experience with MDI use and education level. Majority of the community pharmacy technicians in this study couldn’t use MDI technique appropriately. Training and educational interventions programs may contribute to the improvement of MDI technique use by community pharmacy dispensers. Patient counseling and education should be part of community pharmacy practice in Yemen.