The Effects of Inhaler Training on Self-Efficacy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Objective: This study investigated the effects of 3 different inhaler use training methods on the self-efficacy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Methods: Between December 2017 and November 2018, a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and posttest was conducted with 120 patients in a public hospital. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their training methods. Data were collected using a patient information form, an inhaler use checklist, and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Self-Efficacy Scale. The first group was trained using the show and perform method, the second group watched videos on inhaler use, and the third group was trained using a sample training material. After each training session, the participants were observed using inhalers to evaluate their performance. Results: The differences between the mean pretest and posttest Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Self-Efficacy Scale total scores and subscale scores of the groups were statistically significant ( P < .05). In terms of the types of inhalers, the users of pressurized metered-dose inhalers had the lowest mean scores (group 1: 5.8 ± 1.6, group 2: 5.1 ± 1.1, group 3: 5.0 ± 1.1). There was a significant increase in the use of the pressurized metered-dose inhaler, Aerolizer, HandiHaler, and Diskus ( P < .05). Conclusion: Inhalation training given to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients using 3 different methods increased their self-efficacy, but there was no significant difference between the training groups.