The effects of training on inhaler technique and quality of life in patients with COPD.

OBJECTIVES

This experimental study was conducted to determine the effects of training on inhaler technique and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

Among the patients who applied at the outpatient clinic of chest diseases between March 2009 and May 2010, a total of 69 with COPD who complied with the criteria of the study were recruited; of these, 34 subjects were put in the intervention group and 35 in the control group. The intervention group was educated on using an inhaler by verbal training, demonstration movie, and leaflet. A follow-up after 3 months was carried out in both groups.

RESULTS

Of the intervention group, 82.4% used the inhaler correctly; however, in the follow-up, all of the controls used it incorrectly (p<0.05). The number of attacks (p<0.001), emergency applications, and hospitalizations (p>0.05) of the intervention group was lower at the follow-up than in the control. Promotion in all areas of quality of life was determined in the intervention group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Consequently, a planned inhaler training given to the patients with COPD was found to decrease attack frequency and dyspnea, and improve quality of life.