[Written information on the use of aerosols in COPD patients. Can we improve their use?]

To determine whether the use of written information alone improved inhalation technique with pressurized canister inhalers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To compare the effectiveness of written information versus verbal explanation provided by nursing personnel on the use of inhalers.

Interventional study.

Urban health center.

120 patients with COPD treated with pressurized canister inhalers.

The participants were divided randomly into three groups of 40 patients each. In one group no intervention was used, in the second group verbal explanations were provided, and in the third group written information was provided.

We recorded percentage compliance with 5 criteria for the correct use of inhalers at the start of the study and 3 months after the intervention in all groups.

Initially, performance of the inhalation technique by patients with COPD was poor (mean compliance 40%). Performance improved significantly in both intervention groups, with no significant difference between them. Final mean compliance was 74% in the written information group and 82% in the verbal information group.

The use of written information about the use of inhalers for patients with COPD significantly improved utilization to a degree similar to that obtained with verbal explanations.