Novel inhaler technique reminder labels for asthmatic patients: a single‐blinded randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Asthma prevalence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is high, and it is important to educate patients on the right inhaler technique. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of inhaler technique labels demonstrating individual technique steps in image format on maintaining the correct technique. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was carried out in 2019 and approved by Dubai Scientific Research Ethics Committee (DSREC), Dubai Health Authority (DSREC-10/2018-2019), and from the Research Ethics Committee, University of Sharjah (REC-17-01-29-04). Asthmatic patients using controller inhalers (Turbuhaler (TH), Accuhaler (ACC), or pMDI) and attending respiratory clinics at Rashid Hospital in Dubai were recruited. Patients were then randomized to receive educational intervention plus the inhaler label in an active group and educational intervention without the label in the control group. Patients were tested for their inhaler technique and asthma control at baseline and one month later. Results: Participants (n=245; 93=TH, 70=ACC, 82=pMDI) demonstrated a substantial difference between groups at one month for TH (active 5.29±1.86 vs. control=24.4±21.28), ACC (active=3.99±1.43 vs. control=25.45±22.57), and pMDI (active=4.59±0.10 vs. control=120.55±17.2), p<0.001 for all. There were significant differences in asthma control for the active group relative to control for TH and pMDI (p<0.001 for both), but not in the ACC group (p= 0.087). Conclusions: Using a specialized inhaler technique label can maintain the correct inhaler technique and enhancing asthma control.