Long-term clinical effects of an inhaler guidance DVD in patients with bronchial asthma.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Erroneous use of inhalers is a serious problem. Given the multitude of devices currently available, it can be difficult to convey the correct methods for their efficient use to patients. We previously generated an educational DVD that visually and audibly explains the proper use of all inhaler types available in Japan to provide inhalation guidance to patients. Herein, we report the 1-year follow-up of patients who received or did not receive the DVD guidance. METHODS: Sixty-nine bronchial asthma patients undergoing outpatient treatment who received inhalation guidance from a pharmacist using a standard package insert were randomly allocated to a DVD group (n=35) or a no-DVD group (n=34). Their current oral or inhalant drug regimens were unchanged. Various parameters were measured 12 months later. Frequencies of aggravation during the 12-month period were also determined. RESULTS: Compared with the no-DVD group, there were significant improvements in asthma control test scores, forced vital capacity, FEV1, impulse oscillometry, resonant frequency, induced sputum eosinophil count, and FeNO in the DVD group after 12 months. Pulmonary function and inflammation parameters improved significantly with the use of the instructive DVD in addition to the package inserts. The frequency of asthma aggravation significantly decreased in the DVD group during the 12-month study period, likely because inhalation procedures were performed accurately. CONCLUSIONS: A DVD that provides accurate inhalation guidance enhances the quality of life of asthma patients and has substantial clinical ramifications. Thus, this tool would be beneficial for patients in Japan and worldwide.