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Improving Inhaler Technique Without Electronics: A Sustainable Solution to Providing Real-time Feedback

Sanders MJ, Crawford EA, Thomason AJ.

Respiratory Drug Delivery 2021. Volume , 2021: 65-74.

Abstract:

Good inhaler technique and treatment adherence are, independently and collectively, important for maintaining asthma control which is an important aspect of environmental sustainability. Connected inhalers have the potential to improve adherence and device use thereby having a direct impact on the inhaler carbon footprint. Smartphones have facilitated advances in digital health at the patient level and are increasingly used for ‘connecting’ the patient to their inhaler use. However, adding electronic connectivity to an inhaler comes at a cost to environmental sustainability. Existing inhalers can benefit from connectivity without the need to add electronics. Using a smartphone, with its built-in microphone, it becomes possible to detect and identify a characteristic sound and infer details about the way in which an inhaler is being used through analysis of the sound data.

This article describes non-electronic, acoustic connectivity using inhaler add-on and integral whistle technology to guide, inform and feedback inhaler-use data (flow rate, actuation coordination, duration, adherence).