Comparing the Effects of Face‑to‑face and Video‑based Education on Inhaler Use: A Randomized, Two‑group Pretest/posttest Study

Abstract

The quality of inhaler use can significantly affect the effectiveness of inhalation medications. This study was done to compare the effects of face‑to‑face and video‑based education methods on inhaler use. Materials and Methods: A quasi‑experimental, pretest/posttest clinical trial study was conducted on 120 patients with respiratory diseases who were under treatment with metered‑dose inhalers. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either face‑to‑face (n = 60) or video‑based education (n = 60) about correct inhaler use. Inhaler use was assessed using a 15‑item checklist before, 2 weeks, and 1 month after the education. Chi‑square and independent sample t‑test as well as repeated‑measures analysis of variance were used for data analysis. Results: At baseline, the groups did not differ significantly in inhaler use as shown by the mean score (t = 0.81, p = 0.33). Repeated‑measures analysis showed that the mean score of inhaler use significantly increased in both groups 2 weeks and 1 month after the intervention (F = 585.07, p < 0.001). The t‑test showed that at 2 weeks and 1 month after intervention the amount of increase in the face‑to‑face group was significantly greater than the video‑based group (t = 3.31 and 5.93, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both face‑to‑face and video‑based education methods significantly improve inhaler use, even though the effects of the face‑to‑face method are significantly greater. Nurses can use either of these two methods or both for education of patients about inhaler us