Study on inhalers and asthma education in reducing ER visits.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Prospective study on role of inhalers and asthma education in prevention of repeated emergencyvisits
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Asthma is a prevalent global condition marked by significant morbidity and mortality rates. The rising burden of asthma on healthcare systems has shed light on the importance of effective management strategies. Inhalers are crucial in the pharmacological treatment of asthma, allowing patients to self-administer medications with minimal assistance. This study by Sekhar et al. investigates the role of inhalers and asthma education in reducing emergency department (ED) visits by enhancing patient knowledge and proper inhaler technique. Through a prospective observational study conducted over six months, the authors aimed to identify gaps in patient education and improve asthma management.
Importance of Asthma Education
The study emphasizes the critical role of asthma education in effective disease management. Prior to the educational intervention, a significant portion of patients demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding their condition and the correct usage of inhalers, as evidenced by a relatively high percentage (45.625%) classified as "not knowledgeable." Post-education assessments revealed that knowledge levels improved significantly, with only 27 patients remaining unknowledgeable after intervention. This educational component is underscored as essential for empowering patients, facilitating improved self-management, and ultimately leading to better health outcomes.
The Significance of Inhaler Technique
Another key aspect explored in the study is the correlation between inhaler technique and asthma control. Before education, 61.25% of participants utilized their inhalers improperly. Following targeted educational interventions, this figure decreased significantly, with 90.625% demonstrating a proper technique post-education. The results indicate that without proper training on inhaler usage, medication delivery becomes ineffective, increasing the likelihood of asthma exacerbations and subsequent ED visits. The study asserts that continuous training and education are fundamental to maintaining inhaler technique over time, mitigating the risk of poor asthma management.
Impact on Emergency Department Visits
Reduction in emergency department visits is a crucial metric of effective asthma management. The study found that educational interventions significantly decreased the number of emergency visits from 160 to 98, representing a 38% reduction. This finding highlights the direct relationship between patient education, proper inhaler use, and a reduction in acute exacerbations requiring urgent care. By addressing the knowledge gap and focusing on inhaler techniques, the authors demonstrate that patients can achieve better control over their condition and reduce dependence on emergency healthcare services.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the profound impact that asthma education and proper inhaler technique can have on patient outcomes. Poor understanding of asthma and incorrect inhaler usage are linked to frequent ED visits, indicating a need for structured educational programs to improve patient knowledge and self-management skills. Enhanced education involving healthcare providers, including pharmacists and physicians, is pivotal for achieving effective clinical outcomes. Ultimately, the study concludes that reinforcing asthma education can lead to significant improvements in disease control, ultimately reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Dr. D. Giri Raja Sekhar, Dr. M. Sureswara Reddy, M G Poornima,V. Vinod Kumar, Dr. C. Gopinath, G. Suresh
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Prospective study on role of inhalers and asthma education in prevention of repeated emergencyvisits
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the aim of the study on asthma education and inhalers?
The study aims to assess the effectiveness of inhalers and asthma education in preventing repeated emergency visits for asthma patients.
What method was used to gather data in the study?
The researchers conducted a prospective observational study, utilizing questionnaires and interviews over six months to collect relevant data from subjects.
What significant changes were observed after asthma education?
After education, 83.125% of participants improved their knowledge about asthma, and 90.625% used inhalers correctly, showing a significant improvement in control over asthma symptoms.
How many patients experienced emergency visits before and after education?
Initially, there were 160 emergency visits due to asthma exacerbations, which decreased to 98 after education, representing a 38% reduction.
What factors contributed to poor inhaler technique among patients?
Factors included lack of disease knowledge, improper inhaler education, and patient characteristics, such as age and literacy level, which contributed to frequent emergency department visits.
What conclusion did the study draw regarding asthma education?
The study concluded that structured asthma education significantly enhances patients' knowledge and inhaler technique, leading to better asthma control and reduced emergency visits.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study on inhalers and asthma education in reducing ER visits.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Education:
Education is critical in managing chronic conditions like asthma, as proper instruction about inhaler use and asthma management significantly impacts patient outcomes. Effective education enhances patient knowledge, enabling them to use inhaler devices correctly, which directly reduces emergency department visits and improves overall asthma control.
2) Knowledge:
Knowledge is essential for asthma patients to understand their condition and the proper use of inhalers. This understanding affects their ability to manage symptoms effectively, adhere to treatment plans, and drastically influences their frequency of emergency visits. Enhanced knowledge correlates with better asthma control and improved health.
3) Study (Studying):
The study referred to is a prospective observational research conducted to assess the role of inhalers and patient education on asthma management. Through systematic data collection and statistical analysis, it evaluates the effectiveness of educational interventions in improving knowledge, inhaler techniques, and reducing emergency visits among patients.
4) Visit:
Visits refer to the patient's consultations with healthcare providers to manage asthma symptoms. The frequency and nature of these visits can illustrate the control of the disease. The study measured the impact of education on reducing emergency department visits, highlighting the relationship between effective management and timely treatment interventions.
5) Disease:
Disease in this context specifically refers to asthma, a chronic condition characterized by airway inflammation and obstruction. Understanding the disease is crucial for patients, as it influences their compliance with medications, awareness of triggers, and overall management strategies, directly affecting their quality of life and health outcomes.
6) Pur (Pūr):
Poor outcomes in asthma management often stem from inadequate knowledge and improper use of inhalers. This leads to greater morbidity, more frequent emergency visits, and decreased quality of life for patients. Addressing poor understanding through education is vital for improving asthma control and reducing healthcare burdens.
7) Andhra (Āndhra, Amdhra):
Andhra refers to Andhra Pradesh, a state in India where the study was conducted. The demographic context is important as it may influence healthcare access, educational resources, and patient populations, all of which affect the management of chronic diseases like asthma in that region.
8) India:
India is the country where the research took place, reflecting the healthcare challenges and cultural factors unique to managing chronic diseases. The findings may have broader implications for asthma management within similar developing countries, stressing the need for education and better healthcare infrastructure to support patient outcomes.
9) Post:
Post refers to the activities or outcomes that occur after the educational intervention in the study. It focuses on the measurement of changes in knowledge and inhaler technique, along with the effect on emergency department visits, helping demonstrate the effectiveness of educational initiatives in asthma management.
10) Drug:
In this study, drug refers to the medications used for asthma management, primarily administered through inhalers. Understanding the types and proper usage of these drugs is essential for patients, as incorrect usage can compromise their efficacy, leading to uncontrolled asthma symptoms and increased healthcare visits.
11) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study analyzes results, correlating knowledge of disease and proper inhaler use with the frequency of emergency visits. It contextualizes the findings within existing literature, providing insights into how education impacts asthma management and identifying areas for future research and improvement in patient care.
12) Powder:
Powder in this context pertains to dry powder inhalers (DPIs), a form of drug delivery used for asthma medication. Understanding how to properly use DPIs is crucial for patients, as incorrect usage can lead to diminished drug delivery and ineffective management of asthma symptoms, necessitating focused education.
13) Kadapa:
Kadapa is a district in Andhra Pradesh, India, and serves as the location of the study. Geographic and demographic factors such as healthcare access and prevalence of asthma within Kadapa can influence the results, making regional studies critical for understanding local healthcare challenges and addressing asthma management effectively.
14) Table:
Table likely refers to the organized data presentations used in the study to illustrate participants’ knowledge and inhaler techniques before and after interventions. Tables facilitate comparison and analysis of quantitative data, helping to clearly demonstrate the effects of educational strategies on patient knowledge and asthma management.
15) Giri:
Giri refers to Dr. D. Giri Raja Sekhar, a key author and contributor to the study. His expertise and leadership in the research contribute valuable insights into best practices for patient education and asthma management, highlighting the important role of healthcare professionals in improving patient outcomes.
16) Raja (Rāja, Rājā):
Raja complements the name of Dr. D. Giri Raja Sekhar, emphasizing his professional identity. This reflects the collaborative effort in academic research and reinforces the credentials of individuals contributing to public health discussions, further validating the research through authoritative expertise in the field of pharmacy and healthcare.
17) Bronchial asthma:
Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the airways, leading to wheezing, breathlessness, and cough. Understanding this specific condition is vital for patient education, as it directly relates to using inhalers correctly and managing symptoms, ultimately influencing the study’s focus on reducing emergency visits.
18) Suffering:
Suffering describes the physical and emotional distress experienced by individuals living with asthma. Effective management is crucial to alleviating this suffering. By improving inhaler technique and patient education, the study aims to mitigate the hardships associated with uncontrolled asthma, thereby enhancing overall patient well-being.
19) Medicine:
Medicine in this context refers to both the pharmacological treatments prescribed for asthma and the broader field of healthcare delivery. Proper medicine management, including education about inhalers and treatment regimens, plays a pivotal role in controlling asthma, reducing exacerbations, and improving patient quality of life.
20) Training:
Training refers to the educational interventions implemented in the study to enhance patients’ understanding of asthma and proper inhaler use. Continual training is vital for empowering patients and healthcare providers, ensuring effective disease management, and ultimately leading to reduced emergency department visits and improved health outcomes.
21) Gopinatha (Gopīnātha, Gopinath, Gopi-natha):
Gopinath refers to Dr. C. Gopinath, one of the co-authors of the study, bringing additional expertise and perspective to the research. The contributions of various authors highlight the collaborative effort in addressing asthma management and emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in healthcare education.
22) Account:
Account refers to the comprehensive narrative and analysis presented in the study concerning asthma management. It encompasses patient experiences, knowledge assessments, and the implications of educational interventions. Providing a detailed account is essential for understanding the effectiveness of the study and guiding future healthcare practices in asthma care.
23) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context speaks to the systematic study and evidence-based approach used in the research. It underscores the importance of employing scientific methods to investigate asthma education and management, contributing to the overall development of healthcare knowledge and best practices in chronic disease control.
24) Kumar (Kumār):
Kumar refers to V. Vinod Kumar, another contributing author of the study. His involvement signifies the collaborative nature of the research, enhancing the credibility and depth of insights into asthma management strategies, and ensuring a holistic perspective is presented in the findings and recommendations.