Launching a new interactive audio-visual Free online training for Asthma patients on the correct inhaler technique.

Online PR News – 25-December-2012 – Barrington – Inhaled medications are one of the most important modes of treatment for Asthma patients. Asthma patients who use inhalers are at the risk of using it incorrectly thereby leading to poor Asthma control. Incorrect usage of inhaler device has major influences on the effectiveness of the delivered drug. In spite of the severity of the misuse of inhalers increasing day by day, the issue of using the inhalers incorrectly is poorly addressed in our Asthma management guidelines.
This article is focused on the most innovative ways to educate the Asthma patients on the correct use of inhalers thereby leading to effective medicine intake with better treatment outcome.
Commonly used tools for education on inhaler technique includes verbal/written instructions or a demonstration by healthcare workers (who may not have received proper training). Unfortunately, some patients may receive no instruction. Online tools and videos have proliferated, but are mostly passive and lack important attributes such as ease of use, accessibility, and comprehensiveness. High rates of improper inhaler technique in recent studies demonstrate a need for more effective tools that can reduce time demands on busy practitioners.
Use-inhalers group have provided a latest feature where the Asthma patients can sit in front of the computer, look into the webcam, and practice step by step inhaling with the onscreen instructor to get the real-time visual feedback. This feedback can be shared with the Physicians and Asthma Educators for their review and recommendation to improve the patient’s inhaler technique.
Asthma patients need an opportunity to learn the step by step instructions on how to take the inhaler correctly at their own pace and comfort, each time patient uses an inhaler, a thorough guidance and practice of each step can help the patient to perfect the technique.
We are working towards an interactive approach to inhaler training and Asthma Education by using the latest Webcam technology. Our goals include developing a comprehensive asthma education portal that includes interactivity to engage patients, increasing their participation and more importantly, teach correct inhaler technique leading to improved asthma outcomes.
This innovative educational tool can be used for regular assessment and reinforcement of correct inhalation technique and can become an essential component of successful asthma management.