Tuberc Respir Dis.  2007 Dec;63(6):491-496.

The Effect of Repeated Education using a Computerized Scoring System for the Proper Use of Inhalation Medicine

• Yu SK
• Park SI
• Park SY
• Park JK
• Kim SE
• Kim JY
• Shin KC
• Chung JH
• Lee KH

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The best way of delivering drugs for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is via the inhaled route of administration. However, many patients use inhaler devices incorrectly. To augment the proper use of inhalation medicine and to improve knowledge of the disease and compliance, we have developed a "Computerized Respiratory Service Program" and applied the use of this program to educate patients.
METHODS
Prospectively, this study was performed in 164 patients with asthma or COPD prescribed with inhaled medication. When inhalation medication was first prescribed, education using a drug model was conducted two times and thereafter every month. In addition, education using a drug model was conducted and the ability of the patient to use inhalation medicine properly was evaluated.
RESULTS
A total of 164 patients participated in the sessions more than two times and received education. Fifty-seven patients participated in three sesions. After the patients received education one time, the ability of these patients to use an inhaler had an average score of 20.6. After the patients received education two times, the average score was 21.9. After the patients received education three times, the average score was 22.3, a further increase. The compliance of using the inhaler was 70.1% at the second session and increased to 81.8% at the third session.
CONCLUSION
Feedback education using the "Computerized Respiratory Service Program" will increase the ability of the patient to use an inhaler and consistent education can maintain patient compliance with inhaler use.

Keyword

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Asthma; Inhaler; Computerized respiratory service program

MeSH Terms

Asthma
Compliance
Education*
Humans
Inhalation*
Nebulizers and Vaporizers
Patient Compliance
Prospective Studies
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

Figure

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  Figure 1 EMR page specialized for an education using an inhaler.

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  Figure 2 Electric chart for education and evaluation of the patient's using ability of inhaler.

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  Figure 3 At steps, the change of scores between 1st visit and 2nd visit (total mean change, The largest change of steps, The smallest change of steps).

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  Figure 4 The score of correctly performing inhaled medications on feedback education.

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