Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Technique

As with describing inhaler technique, this station tests your knowledge of asthma as well as your knowledge of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurement. It also tests your ability to communicate with patients.

Subject steps

1. It is benefitial to check the patient's understanding of their condition. If they do not fully understand then you should explain what is happening and that when they have an exacerbation they will find breathing more difficult. Furthermore, you should explain why measuring their PEFR is important as a guide to how well-controlled their asthma is at this time.

2. Explain to the patient that they should be checking their PEFR regularly, particularly if their asthma is worse than usual.

3. Start by describing the different steps in PEFR measurement to the patient. These are:

   1. Connect a clean mouthpiece.
   2. Ensure the marker is set to zero.
   3. Stand up or sit upright.
   4. Take as deep a breath in as you can and hold it.
   5. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and form as tight a seal as possible around it with your lips.
   6. Breathe out as hard as you can.
   7. Observe and record the reading.
   8. Repeat the process 3-4 times and record the highest reading.
   9. Note down the reading in a diary to allow comparison with readings on other days.

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4. Once you have discussed the process with the patient, you should show the patient how to perform the measurement. Do this by measuring your own PEFR.

5. Once the technique has been demonstrated, ask the patient to show you how they would perform the measurement themselves. Make sure they are doing it correctly, and resolve any mistakes which they might be making.

6. Finish by asking the patient if they have any questions or concerns about either their asthma or taking their PEFR measurement.