Abstract
Aim: To compare the effect of three education interventions, on the ability of health professionals (HPs) to achieve and maintain correct inhaler technique (IT).
Method: A parallel group, three arm, repeated measure design was used to implement and evaluate three educational interventions: traditional face-to-face workshop(1) (Model 1), online learning module (Model 2) and a collaborative face-to-face workshop(Model 3). HPs’ IT was assessed within a fortnight of competing the modules. If HP IT was not correct, the assessor would provide immediate personal training and assessment until correct IT was achieved. HPs then delivered the Collaborations in Asthma Management in the Community (CAMCOM), protocol, involving optimisation of patient’s IT over 6 months. HPs IT was then re-assessed.
Results: A total of 81 HP (27 GPs, 11 practice nurses and 43 pharmacists) participated in the study (28, 17 and 36 HPs in Models 1, 2, and 3 respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean proportion of HPs with correct technique between Modules 1, 2, and 3 initially (72%, 27.4% and 47.8% respectively, Pearson’s Chi-Squared, n=81, p<0.05) and at the 6 month follow-up (57.8%, 44.4% and 25.3% respectively, Pearson’s Chi-Squared, n=41, p<0.05).
Conclusion: Different forms of HP education have had differing effects on inhaler technique of participating HPs. After 6 months this technique had generally deteriorated which has implications for what patients might receive in practice. Reasons for non-maintenance of HP IT need to be further explored.
- © 2013 ERS