A Study to Assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Inhalational Therapy among Patients with Obstructive Airway Disease Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Incorrect usage of inhaler devices might have a significant influence on the clinical effectiveness of the drug delivered. This issue is poorly addressed; hence, the study was designed to investigate the knowledge and ability of the healthcare professional student community to use inhaling devices. Poor inhalation techniques are associated with decreased medication delivery and poor disease control in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study knowledge, attitude, and practice of inhalation therapy among obstructive airway disease patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done in the outpatient Pulmonary medicine department in Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry. From 2013 to 2016. All patients with history and symptoms suggestive of obstructive airway disease attending the Pulmonary Medicine outpatient department will be included in the study. A patient who is already on inhalation therapy will be screened and their knowledge will be assessed and their attitude and practice of using inhalation therapy will be checked using structured pre-validated questionnaire. RESULTS: About 74% preferred the use of inhalers in asthma. However, about 43% liked to use oral medications more than inhaled medicines. About 55% believed that inhaled medications contain a higher dose than oral. About 76% of patients believed that they need to continue inhalers life- long once started. Although 54% claimed to use inhalers regularly, only 29% used to bring their device for follow-up assessment, while 33% admitted that they don‟t know how to use their inhaler properly. CONCLUSION: Inhalation technique in COPD patients without face-to-face training was mostly unsatisfactory, especially in patients with low education levels. The Handihaler was the inhaler device associated with the lowest technique failure. Face-to-face inhalation technique training significantly increased technique compliance for the pMDI.
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