Using Tailored Videos to Teach Inhaler Technique to Children With Asthma: Results From a School Nurse-Led Pilot Study

Abstract

Our purpose was to test whether a tailored inhaler technique video intervention: (1) could be feasibly implemented by school nurses and (2) improve the inhaler technique of children with asthma.

Methods: School nurses recruited a convenience sample of 25 children with asthma (ages 7-17) and assessed their inhaler technique. Children then watched a tailored video that provided: (1) step-by-step feedback on which steps (out of 8) they performed correctly, (2) praise for correctly-performed steps, and (3) statements about why incorrectly-performed steps are important. Nurses reassessed the child's inhaler technique immediately after watching the video and again 1month later. Non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank tests were calculated to assess whether children's technique significantly improved from baseline to post-video and baseline to 1-month follow-up. A focus group with the school nurses was conducted post-intervention to discuss feasibility issues.

Results: Children's inhaler technique improved by 1.2 steps (with spacer; p=0.03) and 2.7 steps (without spacer; p<0.01) from baseline to post-video. These improvements were maintained at 1-month follow-up. School nurses believed the intervention was feasible to implement and met an important educational need.

Conclusions: A school nurse-led tailored video intervention is feasible to implement and a promising method for improving children's inhaler technique.

Keywords: Asthma; Children; Medication; Metered dose inhaler; School nurses; Videos.