OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of 4 different instructional interventions in training proper inhaler technique. DESIGN: Randomized, noncrossover trial. SETTING: Health fair and indigent clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Inhaler-naive adult volunteers who spoke and read English. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were assigned to complete the following: (1) read a metered dose inhaler (MDI) package insert pamphlet, (2) watch a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) video demonstrating MDI technique, (3) watch a YouTube video demonstrating MDI technique, or (4) receive direct instruction of MDI technique from a pharmacist. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Inhaler use competency (completion of all 7 prespecified critical steps). RESULTS: Of the 72 subjects, 21 (29.2%) demonstrated competent inhaler technique. A statistically significant difference between pharmacist direct instruction and the remaining interventions, both combined ( P < .0001) and individually ( P ≤ .03), was evident. No statistically significant difference was detected among the remaining 3 intervention groups. Critical steps most frequently omitted or improperly performed were exhaling before inhalation and holding of breath after inhalation. CONCLUSION: A 2-minute pharmacist counseling session is more effective than other interventions in successfully educating patients on proper inhaler technique. Pharmacists can play a pivotal role in reducing the implications of improper inhaler use.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of 4 different instructional interventions in training proper inhaler technique. DESIGN: Randomized, noncrossover trial. SETTING: Health fair and indigent clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Inhaler-naive adult volunteers who spoke and read English. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were assigned to complete the following: (1) read a metered dose inhaler (MDI) package insert pamphlet, (2) watch a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) video demonstrating MDI technique, (3) watch a YouTube video demonstrating MDI technique, or (4) receive direct instruction of MDI technique from a pharmacist. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Inhaler use competency (completion of all 7 prespecified critical steps). RESULTS: Of the 72 subjects, 21 (29.2%) demonstrated competent inhaler technique. A statistically significant difference between pharmacist direct instruction and the remaining interventions, both combined ( P < .0001) and individually ( P ≤ .03), was evident. No statistically significant difference was detected among the remaining 3 intervention groups. Critical steps most frequently omitted or improperly performed were exhaling before inhalation and holding of breath after inhalation. CONCLUSION: A 2-minute pharmacist counseling session is more effective than other interventions in successfully educating patients on proper inhaler technique. Pharmacists can play a pivotal role in reducing the implications of improper inhaler use.
Authors: Amna Al-Hashar; Ibrahim Al-Zakwani; Tommy Eriksson; Alaa Sarakbi; Badriya Al-Zadjali; Saif Al Mubaihsi; Mohammed Al Za'abi Journal: Int J Clin Pharm Date: 2018-05-12
Authors: Emily R Locke; Rachel M Thomas; Deborah M Woo; Ethan H K Nguyen; Bryson K Tamanaha; Valerie G Press; Gayle E Reiber; Peter J Kaboli; Vincent S Fan Journal: Telemed J E Health Date: 2018-07-17 Impact factor: 3.536