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Engaging Patients and Healthcare Professionals in New Technology-supported Models of Care

Blakey JD.

Respiratory Drug Delivery 2018. Volume 1, 2018: 91-102.

Abstract:

Successful respiratory drug delivery depends on identifying a patient in need, matching that patient to a medicine, and ensuring that the patient receives and inhales this medicine appropriately. In current healthcare models, this is becoming very challenging. Clinical staff are faced with an increasingly multi-morbid population and a multitude of diagnostic tests and treatment options. In this context, usual models of care based on face-to-face consultation may no longer be fit for purpose, particularly for common, yet complex, chronic conditions such as asthma.

The technical capability to deploy newer technologies including remote consultation, mobile apps, and connected inhaler devices to address key issues in asthma management (such as adherence) is already here. Although their use is becoming more widespread, the ideal devices and care pathways remain unclear. For example, remote consultation appears to be utilized as a direct replacement for aspects of current service provision, and providers and clinicians remain uncertain about how to handle the high-volume of data that is generated by apps and connected inhalers. An overhaul of current models of care supported by technology-based solutions is needed. Changing the way healthcare professionals and patients interact may be technically possible now, but is difficult to implement. This article discusses potential barriers and facilitators for the widespread use of new technology supported models of care, specifically in the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases.