JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Proper inhaler device usage is paramount for control of underlying obstructive airway disease. Hence, education to healthcare professionals who will eventually educate patients need to be done effectively.

Objective:

We developed an application for mobile devices for education on medical inhaler devices and studied if there were any difference between the application and the manufacturer’s instructions on inhaler technique.

Methods:

Participants, who were nursing students, were randomized to learn the inhaler devices via the manufacturer’s instruction guide or a mobile device app designed specifically for education on inhaler devices.

Results:

There were 45 participants in each group. 78% of them were females with a median age of 21 (IQR 3). 67% used an Apple mobile device and the remainder used an Android device. Both interventions showed improvement in total scores for demonstrating the correct usage of all inhaler devices. The mobile device showed better total improvement points for the Turbuhaler device (262 vs 287 points; P=0.02). Participants learning from the manufacturer’s guide had a significantly higher total improvement points in the Breezhaler (370 vs 327 points; P<0.01) and Ellipta (214 vs 174 points; P<0.01) device. The app was well received and scored of 4.42 of 5 with regards to its quality.

Conclusions:

Using a mobile inhaler app is just as effective to teach inhaler device techniques to healthcare professionals and is likely a more convenient, versatile and important adjunct to learning.