THE EFFECT OF EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON INHALER USAGE AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT IN COPD AT PRIVATE CLINICS

Abstract

Background: Education on correct usage of inhalers and disease management is essential in managing COPD patients but it is not performed well at private clinics in Korea. Therefore this study was conducted to see the effect of education programme regarding inhaler usage and disease management at private clinics. Methods: We enlisted 286 patients with asthma or COPD on an outpatient basis at 40 private clinics in Korea. The patients were educated on inhaler usage and disease management three times on a two week basis. Questionnaires about disease control, quality of life, and correct usage of inhaler were obtained from doctors and patients before and after the education programme. Outcomes of 127 patients with COPD were analysed based on the questionnaires. Results: Symptoms including cough, sputum, dyspnoea and chest tightness improved significantly after inhaler education (p < 0.05). Inhaler education programme made the enrolled patients understand COPD better and use inhalers more correctly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Education programme on inhaler usage and disease management performed at private clinics contributed to the improvement of COPD symptoms and the better management of COPD.