Workshop 3: Device matters: Practical workshop on inhaler device technique
| Friday, May 29, 2026 |
| 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Karrie Webb and Jacaranda Rooms |
Overview
Debbie Rigby & LFA
Facilitators: Samantha Nolan-Neylan, Andrew Stafford
Details
Synopsis
Are you familiar with all the inhaler devices available for the management of asthma and COPD? Need a refresher on inhaler techniques? Do you understand why each step is important? Can you identify common and critical errors?
Incorrect inhaler technique is unacceptably frequent and has not improved over the past 40 years. Up to 94% of patients do not use their inhaler devices correctly. Up to 85% of health professionals cannot correctly demonstrate optimal use of inhalers.
Join advanced practice pharmacist Debbie Rigby and Lung Foundation Australia nurse educators in this hands-on interactive workshop. Each participant receives a box containing all the placebo devices and accompanying Lung Foundation Australia resources.
Learning objectives
1. Identify the most appropriate inhaler device for a patient.
2. Discuss the differences and benefits of inhaler devices.
3. Describe the breathing technique required to achieve optimal lung deposition.
4. Identify your role in optimising inhaled medicines.
5. Identify resources to support evidence-based resources management of patients with asthma and COPD.
Competency Standards (2016): 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 3.1, 3.5.
Speaker
Debbie Rigby
Advanced Practice Pharmacist
Pharmeducation
Workshop 3: Device Matters
Biography
Debbie Rigby is an Advanced Practice Pharmacist with postgraduate qualifications in clinical pharmacy, geriatrics and respiratory medicine. Debbie’s career as a pharmacist has been across many roles, including community and hospital pharmacy, academia, education, policy and advocacy, government and committee representation and has been involved in every aspect of the evolution of medication reviews in Australia. She currently conducts Home Medicine Reviews and provides medicines education through her company Pharmeducation. Debbie is the Clinical Executive Lead for the National Asthma Council Australia and PSA Consultant Pharmacist Advisor.
