The effects of nebulizer hygiene training on the practices of cystic fibrosis patients and caregivers

Abstract

Background: Nebulizers can be contaminated with microorganisms and may be a source of infection in the lower airways in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).Objective: Primary aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge regarding nebulizer hygiene and adherence to CF foundation infection prevention and control (IPC) measures of CF patients in our center. We also evaluated the effect of a standardized training program on nebulizer cleaning and disinfection practises with pre and posttest.Methods: Caregivers of 173 CF patients followed at Marmara University CF Center filled a questionnaire (pretest) regarding nebulizer hygiene and received didactic education including pictures and videos based on the cystic fibrosis foundation (CFF) IPC guidelines, patients were also provided educational materials. Posttest was performed 1-3 months after the education session.Results: Following standardized training, usage of appropriate methods according to CFF IPC guidelines improved significantly. Frequency of nebulizer cleaning after each use increased from 58.4% to 78% (p < .01) and disinfection frequency after each/daily usage increased from 33.6% to 75.7% (p < .01). Additionally, methods of cleaning and storage of the nebulizer, also improved significantly (p < .01, p < .01). Conclusion:Education was highly effective to increase the rate of proper practices for nebulizer hygiene. The necessity of cleaning, disinfection, careful drying, correct storage of the nebulizer parts, and changing the nebulizer equipment within recommended time should be emphasized to CF families regularly.

CF GLOBAL CARE: Collaboration Between Two CF Centers; University of Michigan, USA and Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Pre and post-tests were completed by the caregivers and the results of this project was published in Journal of Pediatric Pulmonology. 12 New education material regarding infection control and aerosol treatment were developed and shared with pw CF and their care givers.…”

Remote Patient Monitoring and Teleconsultation to Improve Health Outcomes and Reduce Health Care Utilization of Pediatric Asthma (ALPACA Study): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Effectiveness Trial

“…All participants will receive a Philips Sami the Seal nebulizer for the intervention phase and will be trained and supervised for correct use and nebulizer hygiene ( Figure 4 ) [ 47 ]. Nebulizing therapy is often started when bronchodilator inhalers do not have the expected effect anymore or in the hospital during an acute exacerbation.…”

Collaboration between two CF centers; one in USA and one in Turkey before and during CoV2 pandemic

“…To address the poor adherence to airway clearance techniques, patients' low activity levels, and poor adherence to the percussion and postural drainage, the two teams worked together to improve patient information materials, including developing booklets for patient education that also included section on improving hygiene and nebulizer cleaning and disinfection 5 . The physical therapy team started to follow patients closely in the outpatient and inpatient settings and added evaluation, counseling, and treatment of vestibular dysfunction symptoms and bowel and bladder incontinence symptoms.…”