Comparison of the Efficacy of In-person vs. Virtual Inhaler Education in Terms of Adherence, Inhaler Technique and Symptom Control Among Asthma OPD Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial
Keywords:
Virtual inhaler education, asthma symptom control, medication adherence, correct technique retention, GINA symptom control, inhaler techniqueAbstract
Background: Virtual inhaler education is increasingly being explored as a means of delivering asthma education in settings with limited access to healthcare, with the goal of reducing asthma exacerbations. As such, inhaler education has become a central focus in efforts to optimize treatment outcomes. This study aims to compare the efficacy of in-person versus virtual inhaler education, specifically in terms of correct technique retention and medication adherence.
Objectives: To compare and assess the efficacy of in-person inhaler education versus virtual inhaler education in improving correct technique retention, medication adherence and GINA symptom control tool assessment among asthma patients seen at the Lung Center of the Philippines Outpatient Department.
Method: A total of 39 asthma patients from the Outpatient Department of the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial conducted from December 2023 to February 2024. Participants were followed for four weeks, during which asthma symptom control, medication adherence, and inhaler technique retention were assessed. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test for between-group comparisons and the Friedman test for within-group changes over time.
Results: Demographics between the two groups were largely similar with no significant differences in age (p=0.696), gender (p=1.000), height (p=0.287), weight (p=0.091), BMI (p=0.124), educational attainment (p=0.744), or inhaler type usage (p=0.483). Findings suggest that both groups yielded comparable results in enhancing asthma symptom control. However, it was not statistically significant after 4 weeks (Pvalue=0.373-in-person inhaler group; Pvalue=0.203-virtual inhaler group). Virtual healthcare delivery is potentially effective in providing asthma education. In-person education consistently resulted in significantly lower scores in the adherence questionnaire indicating better adherence compared to virtual (P=0.032). Lastly, it was noted that both groups exemplified improvement in correct technique with Pvalue=0.003 for the in-person group and Pvalue=0.001 for the virtual group.
Conclusions: Virtual education is non-inferior to in-person education in asthma control and correct technique retention while in-person education is more effective in promoting adherence.
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