Effects of an outpatient education program in patients with uncontrolled asthma

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of an outpatient education program in patients with uncontrolled asthma. METHODS: This was an uncontrolled study evaluating an educational intervention and involving patients with uncontrolled asthma ≥ 14 years of age. The participants completed a questionnaire designed to assess the level of asthma control, the inhalation technique, and quality of life. All of the patients underwent pulmonary function testing, after which they participated in an education program consisting of one 45-min face-to-face session, followed by phone interviews at two, four, and eight weeks. The participants were reevaluated after three months. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients completed the study. There was a significant improvement in the level of asthma control (p < 0.001). Of the 63 patients, 28 (44.4%) and 6 (9.5%) were classified as having partially controlled asthma and controlled asthma, respectively. The mean FEV1 was 63.0 ± 20.0% and 68.5 ± 21.2% of the predicted value prior to and after the educational intervention, respectively (p = 0.002), and all of the quality of life scores improved (p < 0.05 for all). The same was true for the proportion of patients prior to and after the educational intervention using the proper inhalation technique when using metered dose inhalers (15.4% vs. 46.2%; p = 0.02) and dry powder inhalers (21.3% vs. 76.6%; p < 0.001). The logistic regression analysis revealed that an incorrect inhalation technique identified during the first evaluation was independently associated with a favorable response to the educational intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that an outpatient education program for asthma patients improves the level of asthma control, lung function parameters, and quality of life. An incorrect inhalation technique identified during the first evaluation was predictive of a favorable response to the educational intervention

O efeito de um programa educativo ambulatorial sobre a asma não controlada

Introdução: Ainda que resultados de ensaios clínicos preconizem que o controle da asma possa ser obtido, as evidências epidemiológicas sugerem que há uma significante lacuna entre as metas terapêuticas e o grau corrente de controle da doença obtido na população geral. Assim, o desafio que se estabelece é desenvolver estratégias que permitam atingir e manter o controle da asma. Objetivo: avaliar o efeito de um programa educativo ambulatorial individualizado em pacientes com asma não controlada. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo envolvendo pacientes com idade igual ou maior que 14 anos, com asma não controlada, recrutados a partir do ambulatório de um hospital universitário. O estudo foi conduzido antes e depois de uma intervenção educacional para asma. Após uma visita ambulatorial de rotina, os participantes respondiam a questionário estruturado para avaliar o grau de controle da asma, os escores de qualidade de vida (questionário de Juniper) e a técnica inalatória. Os participantes também foram submetidos a testes de função pulmonar. Após, eles participaram de um programa educativo em asma que consistia de uma sessão inicial individualizada de 45 minutos e de entrevistas telefônicas de 30 minutos em 2, 4 e 8 semanas. Todos os participantes foram reavaliados após 3 meses. Resultados: 63 pacientes completaram o estudo. Na segunda avaliação, foi observada significante melhora no grau de controle da asma (p<0, 001): 28 pacientes (44,4%) passaram para asma parcialmente controlada e 6 (9,5%) para asma controlada. Também, o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro (VEF1) melhorou de 63,0±20,0% para 68,5±21.2% do previsto (p=0, 002) e os escores de qualidade de vida melhoraram em todos os domínios (p<0,05). A proporção de pacientes com técnica inalatória adequada melhorou significativamente de 15,4% para 46,2% (p=0, 021) para aqueles em uso do aerossol dosimetrado e de 21,3% para 76.6% (p<0, 001) para aqueles em uso de dispositivo em pó. A análise de regressão logística identificou a técnica inalatória incorreta na primeira avaliação independentemente associada com a resposta favorável à intervenção educativa. Conclusão: Este programa educativo para pacientes asmáticos ambulatoriais resultou em melhora do grau de controle da doença. Também houve significante melhora no VEF1 e nos escores de qualidade de vida. A técnica inalatória incorreta na avaliação inicial foi preditora de resposta favorável à intervenção educativa.Introduction: Although the results of clinical trials advocate that asthma control can be reached in most patients, the epidemiologic evidence suggests that there is a significant gap between the treatment goals and the current level of asthma control achieved for the general population. Therefore, the challenge that remains is to find management strategies to ensure that this control is achieved and maintained. Objective: To evaluate the effect of an individualized education program on the level of asthma control. Methods: A prospective study involving patients aged 14 years or older, with uncontrolled asthma, recruited from the asthma outpatient clinic of an university hospital. The study was conducted in two phases (before and after the educational intervention). After a routine medical visit, the participants completed a structured questionnaire in order to assess the level of asthma control, the quality of life (Juniper questionnaire) and inhalation techniques. The participants also underwent pulmonary function testing. Subsequently, they participated in an asthma educational program, which consisted of one individualized 45 min session and of a 30 min phone interview at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. The participants were reevaluated after three months. Results: 63 patients completed the study. Between the first and second evaluations, there was a significant improvement in the level of asthma control (p<0.001): 28 (44.4%) changed to partly controlled disease and 6 (9.5%) to controlled disease. Also, the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) improved from 63.0±20.0% to 68.5±21.2% of predicted (p=0.002) and the quality of life scores improved significantly in all domains (p<0.05). The proportion of patients with adequate inhalation technique improved significantly from 15.4% to 46.2% (p=0.021) for those in use of metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and from 21.3% to 76.6% (p<0.001) for those in use of dry powder inhaler. Logistic regression analysis identified incorrect inhaler technique in the first evaluation independently associated with significant response to the educative intervention. Conclusions: This educational program for patients attending an asthma outpatient clinic resulted in an improvement on the level of asthma control. Also, there was significant improvement in FEV1 and in quality of life scores. Incorrect inhaler technique in the first evaluation was predictive of significant response to educational intervention

O efeito de um programa educativo ambulatorial sobre a asma não controlada

Introdução: Ainda que resultados de ensaios clínicos preconizem que o controle da asma possa ser obtido, as evidências epidemiológicas sugerem que há uma significante lacuna entre as metas terapêuticas e o grau corrente de controle da doença obtido na população geral. Assim, o desafio que se estabelece é desenvolver estratégias que permitam atingir e manter o controle da asma. Objetivo: avaliar o efeito de um programa educativo ambulatorial individualizado em pacientes com asma não controlada. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo envolvendo pacientes com idade igual ou maior que 14 anos, com asma não controlada, recrutados a partir do ambulatório de um hospital universitário. O estudo foi conduzido antes e depois de uma intervenção educacional para asma. Após uma visita ambulatorial de rotina, os participantes respondiam a questionário estruturado para avaliar o grau de controle da asma, os escores de qualidade de vida (questionário de Juniper) e a técnica inalatória. Os participantes também foram submetidos a testes de função pulmonar. Após, eles participaram de um programa educativo em asma que consistia de uma sessão inicial individualizada de 45 minutos e de entrevistas telefônicas de 30 minutos em 2, 4 e 8 semanas. Todos os participantes foram reavaliados após 3 meses. Resultados: 63 pacientes completaram o estudo. Na segunda avaliação, foi observada significante melhora no grau de controle da asma (p<0, 001): 28 pacientes (44,4%) passaram para asma parcialmente controlada e 6 (9,5%) para asma controlada. Também, o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro (VEF1) melhorou de 63,0±20,0% para 68,5±21.2% do previsto (p=0, 002) e os escores de qualidade de vida melhoraram em todos os domínios (p<0,05). A proporção de pacientes com técnica inalatória adequada melhorou significativamente de 15,4% para 46,2% (p=0, 021) para aqueles em uso do aerossol dosimetrado e de 21,3% para 76.6% (p<0, 001) para aqueles em uso de dispositivo em pó. A análise de regressão logística identificou a técnica inalatória incorreta na primeira avaliação independentemente associada com a resposta favorável à intervenção educativa. Conclusão: Este programa educativo para pacientes asmáticos ambulatoriais resultou em melhora do grau de controle da doença. Também houve significante melhora no VEF1 e nos escores de qualidade de vida. A técnica inalatória incorreta na avaliação inicial foi preditora de resposta favorável à intervenção educativa.Introduction: Although the results of clinical trials advocate that asthma control can be reached in most patients, the epidemiologic evidence suggests that there is a significant gap between the treatment goals and the current level of asthma control achieved for the general population. Therefore, the challenge that remains is to find management strategies to ensure that this control is achieved and maintained. Objective: To evaluate the effect of an individualized education program on the level of asthma control. Methods: A prospective study involving patients aged 14 years or older, with uncontrolled asthma, recruited from the asthma outpatient clinic of an university hospital. The study was conducted in two phases (before and after the educational intervention). After a routine medical visit, the participants completed a structured questionnaire in order to assess the level of asthma control, the quality of life (Juniper questionnaire) and inhalation techniques. The participants also underwent pulmonary function testing. Subsequently, they participated in an asthma educational program, which consisted of one individualized 45 min session and of a 30 min phone interview at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. The participants were reevaluated after three months. Results: 63 patients completed the study. Between the first and second evaluations, there was a significant improvement in the level of asthma control (p<0.001): 28 (44.4%) changed to partly controlled disease and 6 (9.5%) to controlled disease. Also, the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) improved from 63.0±20.0% to 68.5±21.2% of predicted (p=0.002) and the quality of life scores improved significantly in all domains (p<0.05). The proportion of patients with adequate inhalation technique improved significantly from 15.4% to 46.2% (p=0.021) for those in use of metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and from 21.3% to 76.6% (p<0.001) for those in use of dry powder inhaler. Logistic regression analysis identified incorrect inhaler technique in the first evaluation independently associated with significant response to the educative intervention. Conclusions: This educational program for patients attending an asthma outpatient clinic resulted in an improvement on the level of asthma control. Also, there was significant improvement in FEV1 and in quality of life scores. Incorrect inhaler technique in the first evaluation was predictive of significant response to educational intervention

Effects of an outpatient education program in patients with uncontrolled asthma

Avaliar os efeitos de um programa educativo ambulatorial em pacientes com asma não controlada. Métodos: Estudo não controlado, avaliando uma intervenção educacional e envolvendo pacientes com idade ≥ 14 anos com asma não controlada. Os participantes responderam a um questionário para avaliar o grau de controle da asma, a qualidade de vida e a técnica inalatória e foram submetidos a testes de função pulmonar. A seguir, participaram do programa educativo, que consistia de uma sessão inicial de 45 min e de entrevistas telefônicas em duas, quatro e oito semanas. Os participantes foram reavaliados após três meses. Resultados: Completaram o estudo 63 pacientes. Houve melhora significativa no grau de controle da asma (p < 0,001). Dos 63 pacientes, 28 (44,4%) e 6 (9,5%) passaram a apresentar asma parcialmente controlada e controlada, respectivamente. Antes e depois a intervenção educacional, a média de VEF1 foi, respectivamente, 63,0 ± 20,0% do previsto e 68,5 ± 21,2% do previsto (p = 0,002), e todos os escores de qualidade de vida melhoraram (p < 0,05 para todos). O mesmo ocorreu com a proporção de pacientes com técnica inalatória adequada no uso de inalador pressurizado (15,4% vs. 46,2%; p = 0,02) e de dispositivo de pó (21,3% vs. 76,6%; p < 0,001). A análise de regressão logística identificou que a técnica inalatória incorreta na primeira avaliação estava independentemente associada com a resposta favorável à intervenção educativa. Conclusões: Este estudo sugere que um programa educativo ambulatorial resultou em uma melhora no grau de controle da asma, na função pulmonar e na qualidade de vida. A técnica inalatória incorreta na avaliação inicial foi preditora da resposta favorável à intervenção educativa.To evaluate the effects of an outpatient education program in patients with uncontrolled asthma. Methods: This was an uncontrolled study evaluating an educational intervention and involving patients with uncontrolled asthma ≥ 14 years of age. The participants completed a questionnaire designed to assess the level of asthma control, the inhalation technique, and quality of life. All of the patients underwent pulmonary function testing, after which they participated in an education program consisting of one 45-min face-to-face session, followed by phone interviews at two, four, and eight weeks. The participants were reevaluated after three months. Results: Sixty-three patients completed the study. There was a significant improvement in the level of asthma control (p < 0.001). Of the 63 patients, 28 (44.4%) and 6 (9.5%) were classified as having partially controlled asthma and controlled asthma, respectively. The mean FEV1 was 63.0 ± 20.0% and 68.5 ± 21.2% of the predicted value prior to and after the educational intervention, respectively (p = 0.002), and all of the quality of life scores improved (p < 0.05 for all). The same was true for the proportion of patients prior to and after the educational intervention using the proper inhalation technique when using metered dose inhalers (15.4% vs. 46.2%; p = 0.02) and dry powder inhalers (21.3% vs. 76.6%; p < 0.001). The logistic regression analysis revealed that an incorrect inhalation technique identified during the first evaluation was independently associated with a favorable response to the educational intervention. Conclusions: This study suggests that an outpatient education program for asthma patients improves the level of asthma control, lung function parameters, and quality of life. An incorrect inhalation technique identified during the first evaluation was predictive of a favorable response to the educational intervention

Effects of an outpatient education program in patients with uncontrolled asthma

Avaliar os efeitos de um programa educativo ambulatorial em pacientes com asma não controlada. Métodos: Estudo não controlado, avaliando uma intervenção educacional e envolvendo pacientes com idade ≥ 14 anos com asma não controlada. Os participantes responderam a um questionário para avaliar o grau de controle da asma, a qualidade de vida e a técnica inalatória e foram submetidos a testes de função pulmonar. A seguir, participaram do programa educativo, que consistia de uma sessão inicial de 45 min e de entrevistas telefônicas em duas, quatro e oito semanas. Os participantes foram reavaliados após três meses. Resultados: Completaram o estudo 63 pacientes. Houve melhora significativa no grau de controle da asma (p < 0,001). Dos 63 pacientes, 28 (44,4%) e 6 (9,5%) passaram a apresentar asma parcialmente controlada e controlada, respectivamente. Antes e depois a intervenção educacional, a média de VEF1 foi, respectivamente, 63,0 ± 20,0% do previsto e 68,5 ± 21,2% do previsto (p = 0,002), e todos os escores de qualidade de vida melhoraram (p < 0,05 para todos). O mesmo ocorreu com a proporção de pacientes com técnica inalatória adequada no uso de inalador pressurizado (15,4% vs. 46,2%; p = 0,02) e de dispositivo de pó (21,3% vs. 76,6%; p < 0,001). A análise de regressão logística identificou que a técnica inalatória incorreta na primeira avaliação estava independentemente associada com a resposta favorável à intervenção educativa. Conclusões: Este estudo sugere que um programa educativo ambulatorial resultou em uma melhora no grau de controle da asma, na função pulmonar e na qualidade de vida. A técnica inalatória incorreta na avaliação inicial foi preditora da resposta favorável à intervenção educativa.To evaluate the effects of an outpatient education program in patients with uncontrolled asthma. Methods: This was an uncontrolled study evaluating an educational intervention and involving patients with uncontrolled asthma ≥ 14 years of age. The participants completed a questionnaire designed to assess the level of asthma control, the inhalation technique, and quality of life. All of the patients underwent pulmonary function testing, after which they participated in an education program consisting of one 45-min face-to-face session, followed by phone interviews at two, four, and eight weeks. The participants were reevaluated after three months. Results: Sixty-three patients completed the study. There was a significant improvement in the level of asthma control (p < 0.001). Of the 63 patients, 28 (44.4%) and 6 (9.5%) were classified as having partially controlled asthma and controlled asthma, respectively. The mean FEV1 was 63.0 ± 20.0% and 68.5 ± 21.2% of the predicted value prior to and after the educational intervention, respectively (p = 0.002), and all of the quality of life scores improved (p < 0.05 for all). The same was true for the proportion of patients prior to and after the educational intervention using the proper inhalation technique when using metered dose inhalers (15.4% vs. 46.2%; p = 0.02) and dry powder inhalers (21.3% vs. 76.6%; p < 0.001). The logistic regression analysis revealed that an incorrect inhalation technique identified during the first evaluation was independently associated with a favorable response to the educational intervention. Conclusions: This study suggests that an outpatient education program for asthma patients improves the level of asthma control, lung function parameters, and quality of life. An incorrect inhalation technique identified during the first evaluation was predictive of a favorable response to the educational intervention