Effectiveness of multimedia-assisted training on inhaler usage technique, which is the optimum technique?

In this study, we aimed to investigate the most appropriate education method for patients to use their inhaler devices with the proper technique.

The study had a cross-sectional, multicenter design. 525 consecutive patients who had never used an inhaler therapy before were included in the study. Seven different types of inhalers were evaluated. 75 patients were included for each device type. For each device type, 25 patients were trained by their own physicians who personally demonstrated the use of the device [verbal education with physical demonstration (VEWPD)], 25 were given multimedia-assisted training (MAT), and 25 received both types of training together (first VEWPD followed by MAT). After the patients were trained, inhaler medications were used under the supervision of a physician. Correct use of the inhaler devices and perceptions of convenience were scored.

For Ellipta inhaler device and Levered Diskus inhaler device, the proportion of patients using their devices properly was significantly higher in patients who were instructed with both of the methods together compared to other education groups (p = 0.011, p = 0.015). The effects of different types of training on learning in Sanohaler, Diskus inhaler, and Pressurized metered dose inhaler devices were the same.

We could not come to a conclusion that multimedia training was more beneficial than other training. As an unexpected result, in almost all of the devices, patients who received multimedia training in combination with verbal training did not develop better learning despite being shown the use of the device twice (except Ellipta inhaler, and Levered Diskus inhaler device).