Mastery-learning inhaler training for parents of children treated for breathing problems in the pediatric emergency unit

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of an Education Program Based on the Mastery Learning Theory for Parents of Children Receiving Inhaler Therapy: A Pediatric Emergency Department Example

This program will try a hands-on mastery learning education for parents of children who need inhaler treatment in the emergency department to improve how inhalers are given.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Ages: 1 Year to 17 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Ankara)
• Trial ID: NCT07452731 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The project has two phases: first the research team will develop and validate an Inhaler Therapy Application Checklist with experts and statistical testing of its measurements. In the second phase, parents of children receiving inhaler medication in the pediatric emergency department will have their baseline inhaler-administration skills rated and then receive a mastery-learning education program or routine care, with skills rechecked. Data will be collected at İhsan Doğramacı Children's Hospital between October 2025 and October 2026 to measure changes in parent technique and checklist reliability. The intervention emphasizes repeated practice, feedback, and demonstration until parents reach a predefined mastery level.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children receiving inhaler medication in the pediatric emergency unit whose mother is literate, speaks Turkish, has no communication barriers, and agrees to participate are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Children or parents who cannot speak Turkish, whose mothers have communication or literacy barriers, or children with facial anatomical issues or life‑threatening conditions may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, parents will use inhalers more correctly, which could improve children's symptom control and reduce respiratory complications and return visits.

How similar studies have performed: Previous educational and technology-based inhaler training programs have improved inhaler technique, though mastery-learning applied specifically in the pediatric emergency setting is less commonly tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* \- Child is receiving inhaler medication.
* Child has no intellectual or neurological disability.
* Child has no facial anatomical defects affecting inhaler use.
* Child has no life-threatening conditions.
* Both mother and child can speak Turkish.
* Mother has no communication barriers (e.g., mental capacity intact).
* Mother is literate.
* Voluntary participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

Refusal to participate in the study.

* Incomplete data provision.

Where this trial is running

Ankara

• İhsan Doğramacı Children's Hospital — Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Emine Şahin, Phd Student — [e-mail]
• Study coordinator: Emine Şahin, Phd Student

Conditions: Shortness of Breath, inhaler therapy, parent education, pediatric emergency