A comprehensive evaluation of online inhaler use techniques for obstructive airway disease.
Respir Med
; 226: 107607, 2024 May.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38548142
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Pulmonary inhaler therapy is a core treatment modality for >600 million individuals affected by obstructive airways disease globally. Poor inhaler technique is associated with reduced disease control and increased health care utilization; however, many patients rely on the internet as a technical resource. This study assesses the content and quality of online resources describing inhaler techniques.METHODS:
A Google search was conducted in April 2023 capturing the top 5 search results for 12 common inhaler devices. Websites were compared to product monographs for preparation/first use, inhalational technique, and post-usage/device care. They were also assessed using accepted quality metrics (GQS, DISCERN, JAMA Benchmark scores) and clinically relevant aspects based on the literature and consensus statements.RESULTS:
Websites regularly excluded critical steps important for proper inhaler technique. They performed best on information related directly to inhalation technique (average median score 78%), whereas steps related to preparation/first use (58%) or post-usage/device care (50%) were less frequently addressed. Median GQS, DISCERN, and JAMA Benchmark scores were 3 [IQR 3-4], 3 [IQR 2-4], and 1 [IQR 1-3], respectively. Clinically relevant factors were only addressed in about one-fifth of websites with no websites addressing smoking cessation, environmental considerations, or risk factors for poor technique.CONCLUSIONS:
This study highlights gaps in online resources describing inhaler technique, particularly related to preparation/first use and post-usage/device care steps. Clinically relevant factors were rarely addressed across websites. Improvements in these areas could lead to enhanced inhaler technique and clinical outcomes.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Nebulizers and Vaporizers
/
Internet
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Respir Med
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Canada
Country of publication:
United kingdom