Article
Smart inhalers have the potential to address the challenges faced by patients and health care professionals in the management of respiratory diseases.
Digital health strategically leverages digital technologies, empowering patients to manage their illnesses, reduce health risks, and promote health and wellness. This era of digital innovation within our health care system provides new alternatives for managing chronic conditions, diagnosing diseases earlier, and promoting prevention. The extensive scope of digital health encompasses technologies such as mobile health (mHealth) apps, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled medical devices, and smart connected devices.1
One emerging technology—smart inhalers—is becoming one of the greatest opportunities for clinical pharmacy engagement. Traditional inhalers have long been the mainstay of therapy for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Their ability to deliver medication (ie bronchodilators and corticosteroids) directly to the lungs and significantly reduce systemic adverse effects has been well established, making them an effective and ideal treatment option.2
However, health care professionals still face several challenges associated with managing respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The efficacy of inhalers can be negatively impacted by incorrect inhaler technique and poor adherence. A recent study showed worsening dyspnea, greater health condition impairment, and an increased frequency of exacerbations associated with incorrect inhaler technique and non-adherence.3
Furthermore, incorrect inhaler technique and non-adherence places an immense burden on the cost of health care for patients with respiratory diseases. In patients with chronic diseases in the United States, the excess costs associated with non-adherence alone are estimated to be $300 billion annually.4 The management and prevention of respiratory diseases are suggested to be among the most cost-effective health interventions available; however, many patients do not optimize their medication therapies.5
Inadequate inhaler technique or non-adherence to their medication, consequently, may result in the progression of their condition and unnecessary health care expenses for respiratory disease patients. The CDC states that if all COPD patients were completely compliant with their medication, exacerbations could be decreased by 25% to 30% annually, saving $4 billion per year.6
Smart inhalers have the potential to address the challenges faced by patients and health care professionals in the management of respiratory diseases. With digital features designed to connect with mobile applications, smart inhalers and mobile applications work simultaneously to monitor medication schedules and subsequent dosing. Smart inhalers can monitor adherence; accurately record the time, date, and location of each dosage administered; send dosage reminders; and provide access to readily shareable data via Bluetooth. Several smart devices either have sensors built into the body of the inhaler or provide external sensors that can be attached to traditional inhalers.7
As the smart inhaler market grows, pharmacists will need to develop a baseline proficiency in the use of digital technology to support patients and health care professionals with tools in the management of respiratory diseases. Nonetheless, approaches to managing respiratory diseases with smart inhalers should be supported by clinical outcomes, be designed as a cost-effective system, and mirror the needs of patients and health care professionals before they can be widely accepted in practice.8
Here is a look at some of the smart inhalers currently on the market in the United States:
Smart inhalers available internationally:
Smart inhalers under development:
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