Abstract
BackgroundOne reason that asthma remains poorly controlled in children is poor inhaler technique. Current guidelines recommend checking inhaler technique at each clinical visit. However, they do not specify how best to train children to mastery of correct inhaler technique. Currently, many children are simply shown how to use inhalers (brief intervention) which results in less than 50% with correct inhaler technique. The aim of this scoping review is to explore published literature on teaching methods used to train children to master correct inhaler technique.MethodsThis scoping review will follow the Arksey and O’Malley framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. We will search (from inception onwards) MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane library. We will include quantitative studies (e.g. randomised controlled trials, cohort studies and case-control studies), published from the year 1956 to present, on teaching the skill of inhaler technique to children with asthma. Two reviewers will complete all screening and data abstraction independently. Data will be extracted onto a data charting table to create a descriptive summary of the results. Data will then be synthesised with descriptive statistics and visual mapping.DiscussionThis scoping review will provide a broad overview of currently used educational methods to improve inhaler technique in children with asthma. The analysis will allow us to refine future research in this area by focusing on the most effective methods and optimising them.Systematic review registrationOpen Science Framework (osf.io/n7kcw).
Highlights
MethodsThis scoping review will follow the Arksey and O’Malley framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines
One reason that asthma remains poorly controlled in children is poor inhaler technique
Failure to deliver inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to attenuate chronic airways inflammation is associated with poor asthma control, increased asthma attacks and increased
Summary
The present protocol has been registered within the Open Science Framework platform (osf.io/n7kcw). Research question ‘What is known about educational interventions for children with asthma to facilitate the mastery of inhaler technique?’ due to the iterative nature of a scoping review, the research question or the search terms may alter following a piloting process. The strategy for data synthesis entails the use of qualitative methods to categorise the educational interventions based on the treatment modality as well as subgroup diagnosis and age group, e.g. preschoolers aged ≤ 5 years old, as they are often distinct in the literature as regards phenotype and present different challenges as regards inhaler technique compliance [19]. A qualitative descriptive synthesis of data will be undertaken in mapping the intervention modalities
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
