Comparing the effects of face-to-face and video-based education on inhaler use: A randomized, two-group pretest/posttest study

Background: The quality of inhaler use can significantly affect the effectiveness of inhalation medications. This study was done to compare the effects of face-to-face and video-based education methods on inhaler use. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental, pretest/posttest clinical trial study was conducted on 120 patients with respiratory diseases who were under treatment with metered-dose inhalers. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either face-to-face (n = 60) or video-based education (n = 60) about correct inhaler use. Inhaler use was assessed using a 15-item checklist before, 2 weeks, and 1 month after the education. Chi-square and independent sample t-test as well as repeated-measures analysis of variance were used for data analysis. Results: At baseline, the groups did not differ significantly in inhaler use as shown by the mean score (t = 0.81, p = 0.33). Repeated-measures analysis showed that the mean score of inhaler use significantly increased in both groups 2 weeks and 1 month after the intervention (F = 585.07, p < 0.001). The t-test showed that at 2 weeks and 1 month after intervention the amount of increase in the face-to-face group was significantly greater than the video-based group (t = 3.31 and 5.93, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both face-to-face and video-based education methods significantly improve inhaler use, even though the effects of the face-to-face method are significantly greater. Nurses can use either of these two methods or both for education of patients about inhaler use.