1. This station tests a few aspects of your knowledge. It tests your knowledge of how to use an inhaler, your knowledge of asthma as well as your ability to communicate both of these areas to the patient.

2. Firstly, it is good to check the patient's understanding of their condition. If they do not understand fully, you should explain what is happening and why they find breathing more difficult when they have an exacerbation.

3. Next you should discuss the inhaler with the patient, tell them that it contains medication and explain to them how it works.

4. Now you should describe the steps of using the inhaler. These are:

• Remove the inhaler cap.
• Shake the inhaler.
• Hold the inhaler upright with your index finger on the top.
• Hold the inhaler close to your mouth and breathe out completely.
• Put the mouthpiece in your mouth, breathe in deeply and firmly press on the canister simultaneously.
• Inhale fully so that the dose goes deep into the lungs.
• Hold your breath for 10 seconds.
• Breathe out and, if necessary, repeat the procedure.

5. Once you have described the steps, show the patient how to do it yourself.

6. After you have shown them how it is done, get the patient to show you how they would do it, check that they are doing it correctly and correct any mistakes they are making.

7. End the consultation by asking the patient if they have any questions or concerns about the process.

© Matthew Green and Laura Henderson 2006.