A study on effectiveness and progress outcomes of educational inhaler technique intervention in asthma and COPD patients
Abstract
Aim: A study on effectiveness and success factors of educational inhaler technique intervention in asthma and COPD.
Objectives: To identify the percentage of common errors done by people who use inhalers. To identify the risk factors associated with asthma and COPD.
Method: Data was collected from the subject’s face to face interview in a community setup and the lung capacities were measured using spirometer and peak flow meter; the values were noted and the subjects were asked to demonstrate their inhaler technique using placebo inhalers; numbers of correct and incorrect steps were noted. After a period of one month; the subjects were taken to follow up and measured the lung capacities and checked the inhaler steps; number of correct and incorrect steps were noted.
Results: A total of 572 samples were collected and 500 were followed up, in which 300 had Asthma and 200 had COPD. Out of which 189 were female and 311 were male. Low education level was the single most important factor leading to incorrect technique. Formal training resulted in a statistically significant increase in the percentage of correct techniques for all the devices. For pMDI (54.01% vs. 91.03%, *p=0.005 before & after training respectively). For pMDI+Spacer (52.75% vs. 94.85%, *p=0.007 before & after training respectively). For Accuhaler (54.07% vs. 91.27%, *p=0.017 before & after training respectively). For Rotahaler (63.94 vs. 98.64%. *p=0.029 before & after training respectively). For Nebuliser (56.97% vs. 91.88%, *p=0.001 before & after training respectively.
Conclusion: Proper education to patients on correct usage may not only improve control of the symptoms of the disease but might also allow dose reduction in long term. The number of subjects doing correct steps gradually increased after the pharmacist led intervention. Thus, proper counselling for the inhaler use in patients must be encouraged as it is directly linked to the quality of life of patient.
Keywords: Asthma and COPD control inhaler devices, inhaler technique, pharmacist intervention, inhaler education.
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