Efficacy of Education Programs in Patients With Chronic Airway Diseases

The objective of this study is to determine whether the systematic education on air way disease and inhalers in outpatient settings contributes to improve the quality of life. Education has been known to be effective for management of chronic airway disease. However, the real benefits remain unclear. An organized education on the chronic airway disease is directed by primary care physicians, and the investigators evaluate the effectiveness of the education.

The present study is a prospective and interventional study comparing the outcomes of education program for one month. A one month education program is composed of three visits (every two weeks follow-up ) during which subjects were taught about their diseases, action plans in acute exacerbation, and inhaler technique. To evaluate the effectiveness of systematic education, questionnaires evaluating quality of life and satisfaction of education will be examined after each visit. Asthma control test (ACT) in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT) in COPD subjects were compared before and after education as an index of quality of life. Educational effects were also measured, associated with improvement of their knowledge for chronic airway disease itself, proper use of inhaler technique, and satisfaction of subjects after education.

Subjects who is diagnosed as COPD or asthma by their physicians were recruited from 43 primary clinic and had been visiting each primary clinic over one year or more will be provided education of 3 times for one months about disease, inhaler use technics and action plans about exacerbation

3 times systemic education program will be provided to patients were diagnosed as asthma or COPD by their physicians.

The investigators examined change of quality of life through Asthma control test in patient with asthma.

The investigators will compare the total medical cost related COPD or asthma before education with that after education. (unit: Korean won, KRW)

Compliance is calculated as the ratio between the number of actual doses and the number of doses that should have been taken during the total treatment period. The investigators will compare the ratio before and after education about air way disease

Inclusion Criteria: Patients diagnosed as asthma or COPD Patients of over 20 years old Patients who agree with voluntary informed consent Patients who were prescribed inhaler medication as treatment option Exclusion Criteria: Patients who have comorbid disorders which can influence on the study result (e.g. severe cardiac or kidney disease, cancer, transplantation, bronchiectasis, tuberculous destroyed lung) Pregnant women Patients who refused to participate in the study

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