YouTube videos of inhaler use omit key steps

Several videos for demonstrating Respimat Soft mist inhaler technique are available through YouTube, but some key steps have been omitted, according to a study, noting that comprehensive and repetitive patient education should be provided and supplemented with reputable online sources.

“Consumers are involved more than ever in their healthcare, with many utilizing the internet for health information,” the authors said. “Proper technique is crucial for patients to achieve optimal results from inhaled medications.”

In this study, the authors searched YouTube on 16 May 2018 using the term ‘Respimat inhaler’ and evaluated the first 35 videos in English with instructions for use. They also assessed the technical quality of each video using a validated scale and the content using manufacturer/package insert.

Median duration of the videos was 2.50 min (interquartile range, 1.23 to 4.22 min). Thirty-four videos (97 percent) had laypeople as their target audience, and 24 (70 percent) were posted by a professional organization. In addition, most videos (70 percent) received the maximum quality score of 5.

However, certain steps were omitted; the most common was documentation of the discard date (74 percent), repetitive dose activation until spray is visible (49 percent), and pointing the inhaler to the back of the throat (43 percent).

“YouTube is a convenient and vast source of health education videos,” the authors said. “Pharmaceutical companies, health organizations, providers, and others post instructional videos for the use of the Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler device on sites like YouTube.”