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.