The Effects of Smartphone-based Nebulizer Therapy Education on Parents' Knowledge and Confidence of Performance in Caring for Children with Respiratory Disease.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the effects of smartphone-based nebulizer therapy education on the knowledge and confidence of parents while performing care for their children with respiratory disease.

DESIGN AND METHODS: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design using a nonequivalent control group. Data were collected from children's parents who had not used nebulizer therapy for their children previously. Both the groups were given nebulizer therapy education using the same content but different learning methods. The experimental group (n=36) was taught using smartphones, while the control group (n=36) was taught using verbal and paper-based methods. The data were analyzed using the Chi Square test, repeated measures analysis of variance, and t-test.

RESULTS: The mean scores on knowledge improvement (F=100.949, p<0.001) and confidence in performing care (t=-6.959, p<0.001) were significantly higher for the experimental group as compared to the control group. Further, the scores on satisfaction with the learning method were significantly higher for the experimental group as compared to the control group (t=-5.819, p<0.001). Our results suggest that smartphone-based education on nebulizer therapy might be effective in improving parents' knowledge and confidence in performing care for their children.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that smartphone-based education needs to be considered as an effective educational intervention in providing nursing support for parents of children with respiratory disease.