Imogen Savage1, Larry Goodyer. 1. Pharmacy Practice Group, King's College London, Franklin Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 8WA, UK. imogen.savage@ulsop.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are not easy to use well. Every MDI user receives a manufacturer's patient information leaflet (PIL). However, not everyone is able or willing to read written information. Multimedia offers an alternative method for teaching or reinforcing correct inhaler technique. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of brief exposure to the same key information, given by PIL and multimedia touchscreen computer (MTS). METHODS: A single-blind randomized trial was conducted in 105 fluent English speakers (53% female; 93% White) aged 12-87 years in London general practices. All patients had had at least one repeat prescription for a bronchodilator MDI in the last 6 months. Inhaler technique was videotaped before and after viewing information from a PIL (n = 48) or MTS (n = 57). Key steps were rated blind using a checklist and videotape timings. The main outcome measures were a change in (i) global technique; (ii) co-ordination of inspiration and inhaler actuation; (iii) breathing-in time; and (iv) information acceptability. RESULTS: Initially, over a third of both groups had poor technique. After information, 44% (MTS) and 19% (PIL) were rated as improved. Co-ordination improved significantly after viewing information via MTS, but not after PIL. Breathing-in time increased significantly in both groups. Half the subjects said they had learned 'something new'. The MTS group were more likely to mention co-ordination and breathing. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term, multimedia is as least as effective as a good leaflet, and may have advantages for steps involving movement. MTS was acceptable to all age groups. The method could be used more widely in primary care.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are not easy to use well. Every MDI user receives a manufacturer's patient information leaflet (PIL). However, not everyone is able or willing to read written information. Multimedia offers an alternative method for teaching or reinforcing correct inhaler technique. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of brief exposure to the same key information, given by PIL and multimedia touchscreen computer (MTS). METHODS: A single-blind randomized trial was conducted in 105 fluent English speakers (53% female; 93% White) aged 12-87 years in London general practices. All patients had had at least one repeat prescription for a bronchodilator MDI in the last 6 months. Inhaler technique was videotaped before and after viewing information from a PIL (n = 48) or MTS (n = 57). Key steps were rated blind using a checklist and videotape timings. The main outcome measures were a change in (i) global technique; (ii) co-ordination of inspiration and inhaler actuation; (iii) breathing-in time; and (iv) information acceptability. RESULTS: Initially, over a third of both groups had poor technique. After information, 44% (MTS) and 19% (PIL) were rated as improved. Co-ordination improved significantly after viewing information via MTS, but not after PIL. Breathing-in time increased significantly in both groups. Half the subjects said they had learned 'something new'. The MTS group were more likely to mention co-ordination and breathing. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term, multimedia is as least as effective as a good leaflet, and may have advantages for steps involving movement. MTS was acceptable to all age groups. The method could be used more widely in primary care.
Authors: Jacqueline Martin-Kerry; Peter Bower; Bridget Young; Jonathan Graffy; Rebecca Sheridan; Ian Watt; Paul Baines; Catherine Stones; Jennifer Preston; Steven Higgins; Carrol Gamble; Peter Knapp Journal: Trials Date: 2017-06-08 Impact factor: 2.279