Service evaluation study to determine the impact of vibrating mesh nebuliser use versus standard jet nebuliser on emergency department and inpatient length of stay in a paediatric population.

Wheeze is a common paediatric winter presentation, requiring bronchodilator therapy. Use of jet nebulisers (JN) is currently standard practice, but vibrating mesh nebulisers (VMN) have demonstrated quicker, quieter and more effective drug delivery, with reduced emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) in adults. A retrospective review of JN versus VMN use was conducted in a paediatric population (n=38 and n=19, respectively). An apparent reduction in ED LOS, nebuliser requirement and respiratory rate was seen with VMN use, indicating the potential for this device to improve the effectiveness of bronchodilator administration and warranting further investigation in paediatric patients.