Evolution of Web-Based Training Videos Provided by the German Respiratory League for the Correct Inhalation Technique

Abstract

Background/objective: To assess whether and how the use of scientifically established Web-based training videos for teaching correct inhalation technique in patients with chronic airway diseases has become accepted among the wider population.

Methods: The viewing trends of 141 freely available YouTube videos (full playing time, 01:31-04:37 min:s) provided by the German Respiratory League, covering a broad range of internationally prescribed devices, were analyzed over a 10-year period. Specific emphasis was placed both on German and international videos.

Results: The total number of views was 3,350,678. Non-German videos (English, Russian, Turkish, Greek, Arabic, Farsi, and Slovakian) accounted for 23.2% of the views. The number of views steadily increased between 2011 and 2020 with a mean annual increase of 54.0% (range 24.5/119.9%) compared to the respective previous year. By 2020, the incidence of views per 100,000 German inhabitants was 725 for German videos only and 1,030 for all videos. In terms of the annual trend, there were two peak viewing periods, namely in spring and late fall, while the lowest amount of views occurred in summer.

Conclusion: This study highlights the rising impact of Web-based training videos used for teaching the correct use of inhalation devices, with a steady increase in the number of annual views and a clear seasonal peaking of views in spring and late fall.

Keywords: Asthma; Chronic airway disease; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Digital health; Digital medicine; Inhalation device; Inhalation technique; Inhalative treatment; Web-based training videos; YouTube.