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Balancing User and Environmental Needs In Inhaler Design

Meliniotis AM.

Respiratory Drug Delivery 2021. Volume , 2021: 57-64.

Abstract:

This article recognizes the conflicts that are apparent when designing high functionality devices whilst attempting to minimize the resulting environmental impact and highlights the relevant factors that should be considered with a view to sustainable connectivity. The focus is on top-level conceptual design and the user need-related design attributes which can impact the effectiveness and sustainability of a therapy. As technology progresses, delivery devices are likely to be increasingly designed with connectivity in mind, which could open up possibilities for integrated connectivity or high functionality add-on devices. However, market research should be undertaken prior to development to ensure the needs of the patient or end-user are achieved along with the requirements from other relevant stakeholders, including manufacturers, prescribers and payers.

By careful selection of design concepts, materials and manufacturing processes, environmental impacts can be minimized whilst improving adherence, which potentially improves clinical outcomes, and allows products to be cost effective at point of manufacture and supply.