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Making Sense of Inhaler Monitoring Technologies: Can They Improve Respiratory Outcomes?

Peart J.

RDD Asia 2018. Volume , 2018: 139-154.

Abstract:

Equipping patients and clinicians with innovative tools to correct long-standing inhaler use problems such as low adherence and poor technique is long overdue. However, we could be on the cusp of having useful tools available, as smart inhalers emerge as a result of the convergence of low cost electronics, miniature sensors, and widespread availability of wireless communication. Initial forays into inhaler connectivity to smartphones have revolved around attaching sensing devices (CE marked or 510(k) approvable) to existing commercially available inhalers, but the industry is also exploring life-cycle management strategies which involve building connectivity directly into their drug products. The majority of connected inhalers provide an objective assessment of adherence by recording the time and frequency of inhaler use, but most do not determine how the inhaler was actually used. Next generation devices are expected to address this limitation by including features such as user technique monitoring and “at-risk” patient identification. The evidence that smart devices support improved adherence and respiratory outcomes is accumulating, but challenges remain. These include how best to present data on inhaler use to patients and clinicians in the way most likely to result in improved disease management, and the identification of viable reimbursement models. There are also legal, regulatory, and commercial challenges to be overcome before every inhaler use attempt results in optimal drug delivery and sustained improvements in quality of life at reasonable cost.