Effect of Implementing an Educational Module About Inhaler Use on Severity of Dyspnea and Adherence to Inhalation Therapy Among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Soheir M Weheida

doi:10.11648/j.ajns.20170601.16

Abstract

One of the most important routes for medication administration to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients is the inhaled one. If this method is not proper, medications will not be effective. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of implementing an educational module about inhaler use on severity of dyspnea and adherence to inhalation therapy among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A purposive sample of 140 patients with COPD was selected and divided randomly and alternatively into two equal groups, 70 in each. The study was conducted at Chest department and Medical outpatient clinics of Menoufia University and Shebin El-Kom Teaching Hospitals. Five tools were utilized for data collection: Structural interview questionnaire, Bristol COPD knowledge questionnaire, Pressurized metered dose inhaler performance observational checklist, Shortness of breath questionnaire and Morisky Medication adherence scale. Results: 62.9% of study group and 54.3% of control group complained of severe dyspnea pre education, while 44.3% of study group and 54.3% of control group still complained of severe dyspnea one month post education. The improvement of dyspnea among study group than control group was not significant. However medication adherence was significantly improved among study group compared to control group post education. Conclusion: educational module about inhaler use significantly led to improve medication adherence and decrease dyspnea severity however the difference in dyspnea severity among both groups is not significant. Recommendations: Patient's education about correct inhaler use should be ongoing process for all COPD patients and the correct use of inhaler should be observed throughout patient's life.

Highlights

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health condition that characterized by irreversible progressive air flow limitation that leads to increase worldwide prevalence, morbidity and mortality [1]
Based on the results of current study, it was concluded that, education about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and correct inhaler use was effective in significantly improving total knowledge score among study group than control group
Poor inhalation technique is common among subjects of both groups and correct inhaler technique education appears vital to significantly improve performance of inhaler among study group than control group

Summary

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health condition that characterized by irreversible progressive air flow limitation that leads to increase worldwide prevalence, morbidity and mortality [1]. In this condition, the airway becomes damaged making it increasingly difficult for air to pass in and out [2]. Sputum production and dyspnea on exertion as well as fatigue and sleep disturbances are the primary symptoms of COPD [1, 8] It affects patients' physical functions, working and recreations activities, and emotional status as well as sexual relations [9]

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