Journal article
Using Video Telehealth to Facilitate Inhaler Training in Rural Patients with Obstructive Lung Disease
Telemedicine journal and e-health, Vol.25(3), pp.230-236
03/01/2019
DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2017.0330
PMCID: PMC6916242
PMID: 30016216
Abstract
Background:
Proper inhaler technique is important for effective drug delivery and symptom control in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, yet not all patients receive inhaler instructions.
Introduction:
Using a retrospective chart review of participants in a video telehealth inhaler training program, the study compared inhaler technique within and between monthly telehealth visits and reports associated with patient satisfaction.
Materials and Methods:
Seventy-four (
N
= 74) rural patients prescribed
≥
1 inhaler participated in three to four pharmacist telehealth inhaler training sessions using teach-to-goal (TTG) methodology. Within and between visit inhaler technique scores are compared, with descriptive statistics of pre- and postprogram survey results including program satisfaction and computer technical issues. Healthcare utilization is compared between pre- and post-training periods.
Results:
Sixty-nine (93%) patients completed all three to four video telehealth inhaler training sessions. During the initial visit, patients demonstrated improvement in inhaler technique for metered dose inhalers (albuterol, budesonide/formoterol), dry powder inhalers (formoterol, mometasone, tiotropium), and soft mist inhalers (ipratropium/albuterol) (
p
< 0.01 for all). Improved inhaler technique was sustained at 2 months (
p
< 0.01). Ninety-four percent of participants were satisfied with the program. Although technical issues were common, occurring among 63% of attempted visits, most of these visits (87%) could be completed. There was no significant difference in emergency department visits and hospitalizations pre- and post-training.
Discussion:
This study demonstrated high patient acceptance of video telehealth training and objective improvement in inhaler technique.
Conclusions:
Video telehealth inhaler training using the TTG methodology is a promising program that improved inhaler technique and access to inhaler teaching for rural patients with COPD or asthma.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Using Video Telehealth to Facilitate Inhaler Training in Rural Patients with Obstructive Lung Disease
- Creators
- Emily R Locke - Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WashingtonRachel M Thomas - Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WashingtonDeborah M Woo - Pharmacy and Nutritional Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WashingtonEthan H.K Nguyen - Pharmacy and Nutritional Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WashingtonBryson K Tamanaha - Pharmacy and Nutritional Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WashingtonValerie G Press - Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IllinoisGayle E Reiber - Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WashingtonPeter J Kaboli - The Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE) Center, Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IowaVincent S Fan - Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Telemedicine journal and e-health, Vol.25(3), pp.230-236
- DOI
- 10.1089/tmj.2017.0330
- PMID
- 30016216
- PMCID
- PMC6916242
- NLM abbreviation
- Telemed J E Health
- ISSN
- 1530-5627
- eISSN
- 1556-3669
- Publisher
- Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 03/01/2019
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984094375302771
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