Effect of Different Single-Session Educational Modalities on Improving Medical Students' Ability to Demonstrate Proper Pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler Technique

Objective: Although the inhalers are the preferred method of medications delivery, evidences suggest that many patients are unable to use their inhalers effectively due to improper technique so patients must know the right way of their inhaler use. The aim of the study is to assess the patient’s ability to use their inhalers properly, identify the most common error made, assess the benefit of single education session, compare the property of the use between the primary and secondary clinics patients, determine which type of the inhaler devices is associated with more errors, and to identify the association between the inhaler technique and the disease control.Methods: Non-randomized interventional study was done on 100 inhaler users of three inhaler types (metered-dose inhaler [p MDI], Turbuhaler, or Handihaler) for chronic respiratory diseases. Inhaler technique was evaluated by a scoring system before and after single session of training.Results: It had been shown that the current education about inhalers techniques was not sufficient. The response to single session of education was higher with high level of education, urban area, and specialized respiratory center. Better disease control with the better score. After training, the younger patients have higher score.Conclusion: We conclude that we need to stress on the most reported defect, metered-dose inhaler had the lowest mean score; therefore, it needs more training. Furthermore, single class of training can be beneficial but need follow-up to see if this effect can be maintained.

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Effectiveness of one-on-one coaching in improving pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) technique among COPD patients: a prospective clinical study

BMC Pulmonary Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12890-021-01627-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jin Sun Kim ◽

Nader Hashweh ◽

Hannah Li ◽

Salik Choudhary ◽

Sadashiv Santosh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease ◽

Dose Inhaler ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Prospective Clinical Study ◽

Number Needed To Treat ◽

Inhaler Technique ◽

Metered Dose Inhaler ◽

Copd Patients ◽

Metered Dose ◽

Pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler

Abstract Background Incorrect use of inhalers among asthma and COPD patients is very prevalent. Yet, no single intervention is considered standard of care. We aimed to conduct a COPD-specific investigation of active one-on-one coaching as the educational intervention to improve pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) technique and COPD symptoms management. Methods COPD patients who have pMDI in their treatment regimen were enrolled in this prospective study using the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria. After rapid cognitive screen, inhaler technique was assessed and an active one-on-one coaching was provided utilizing the 12-step American Thoracic Society instructions. Patients’ inhaler technique was assessed and scored again at their regular follow-up visits. Results One hundred and one patients participated in the study. The percentage of pMDI misuse decreased from 43.5% pre-teaching to 12.9% post-teaching (binomial test p value < 0.001). The mean number of errors decreased from 3.1 errors pre-teaching to 1.7 errors post-teaching (paired t-test p value < 0.001). The number needed to treat was 3.3 patients to prevent one misuse. Patients with an impaired cognitive function were more likely to have inhaler misuse in general and less likely to improve their technique when provided training. Conclusions This study reveals that many COPD patients have incorrect pMDI techniques that can be improved with a short training in the clinic. Trial Registration: Not applicable.

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