Addition of Inhalation Training Devices and Smartphone Application to Verbal Counseling for Asthmatic Patients

Abstract

Background: One of the main issues with pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI) is that some patients find it difficult to use it properly. Methods: This study was carried out to compare the effect of traditional verbal counseling and that of adding an inhalation training device, such as Flo-Tone or Clip-Tone, along with a smartphone application on the incidence of inhalation technique mistakes and the pulmonary function of asthmatic adults and children. Results: The lung function of those in the advanced counseling group significantly improved on the second visit (p < 0.001), whereas for those in the verbal counseling group, their lung function only improved on the third visit (p < 0.001). For both the groups, the mean number of mistakes in regard to the steps in inhalation technique decreased significantly (p < 0.001), with an overall higher percentage in the advanced counseling group. Conclusion: The use of training devices and smartphone applications in addition to traditional verbal counseling for teaching asthmatic adults and children the correct inhalation technique steps using pMDI resulted in a significant improvement in pulmonary function and a significant reduction in the number of inhalation technique mistakes, compared to traditional verbal counseling alone.