Background: Consumers are involved more than ever in their health care, with many utilizing the Internet for health information. YouTube is a convenient and vast source of health education videos. Pharmaceutical companies, health organizations, providers, and others post instructional videos for the use of the Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler device on sites like YouTube. Therefore, review of content and quality is important to ensure consumers are directed to the best information available.
Objective: Assess content and quality of YouTube videos demonstrating Respimat Soft Mist inhaler technique.
Methods: YouTube was queried May 16, 2018 using the term "Respimat inhaler." The first 35 unique videos in English with instructions for use were assessed. Technical quality of each video was evaluated using a validated scale and content assessed using manufacturer/package insert.
Results: Of 35 videos reviewed, median duration was 2 minutes 50 seconds (interquartile range [IQR]: 1 minute 23 seconds-4 minutes 22 seconds). Target audience was laypeople for 97% (n = 34) of videos. The source was a professional organization for 70% (n = 24). Most (74%, n = 24) received the maximum quality score of 5. Commonly omitted steps included documentation of the discard date (74%), repetitive dose activation until spray is visible (49%), and pointing inhaler to the back of the throat (43%).
Conclusions: Proper technique is crucial for patients to achieve optimal results from inhaled medications. While many videos are available through YouTube for demonstration of Respimat Soft Mist inhaler technique, some omitted key steps. Thorough and repetitive patient education should be provided, and augmented with reputable online sources.
Keywords: Respimat Soft Mist; YouTube; inhaler technique; patient education.