Short-term Evaluation of a Comprehensive Education Program Including Inhaler Training and Disease Management on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

• Published in: Tuberculosis and respiratory diseases Vol. 80; no. 4; pp. 377 - 384
• Main Authors: Yoo, Kwang Ha, Chung, Wou Young, Park, Joo Hun, Hwang, Sung Chul, Kim, Tae-Eun, Oh, Min Jung, Kang, Dae Ryong, Rhee, Chin Kook, Yoon, Hyoung Kyu, Kim, Tae-Hyung, Kim, Deog Kyeom, Park, Yong Bum, Kim, Sang-Ha, Yum, Ho-Kee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 01.10.2017; 대한결핵및호흡기학회
• Subjects: Original; 내과학; Metered Dose Inhalers; Dry Powder Inhalers; Education; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
• ISSN: 1738-3536; 2005-6184
• DOI: 10.4046/trd.2017.0041

Proper education regarding inhaler usage and optimal management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is essential for effectively treating patients with COPD. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive education program including inhaler training and COPD management. We enlisted 127 patients with COPD on an outpatient basis at 43 private clinics in Korea. The patients were educated on inhaler usage and disease management for three visits across 2 weeks. Physicians and patients were administered a COPD assessment test (CAT) and questionnaires about the correct usage of inhalers and management of COPD before commencement of this program and after their third visit. The outcomes of 127 COPD patients were analyzed. CAT scores (19.6±12.5 vs. 15.1±12.3) improved significantly after this program (p<0.05). Patients with improved CAT scores of 4 points or more had a better understanding of COPD management and the correct technique for using inhalers than those who did not have improved CAT scores (p<0.05). A comprehensive education program including inhaler training and COPD management at a primary care setting improved CAT scores and led to patients' better understanding of COPD management.