Jason Suggett1, Jake Desmarais1, Mark Nagel1, Boudewijn J.H. Dierick2,3 & Job F.M. van Boven2
1Trudell Medical International, 725 Baransway Drive, London, Ontario, Canada
2 Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
3 Department of Primary and Long-term Care (PLC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
Summary
Although inhalers have been on the market for more than 50 years and the technology associated with the devices themselves has evolved, they are still often used incorrectly. In recent years, a few different ‘smart’ inhalers have been developed with the aim of improving patient adherence to therapy, including improving inhaler technique. One prototype device currently being investigated clinically is a Smart Spacer (valved holding chamber). Patient inhaler technique assessments when using the Smart Spacer (with MDI) in an adult asthma study were performed with the objective of understanding general variability of some standard technique metrics as well as subsequent observations following feedback from HCPs. Peak inhalation flow rate, inhaled volume, and delay time between MDI actuation and inhalation were analysed from 29 patients over two consecutive 1 month periods, with a training visit in-between. Fifteen patients had standard technique training and 14 patients had tailored training based upon feedback from the first 1 month data. Many patients had average peak inhalation flow rates that were higher than ideal during the first month (14 out of the 29 patients were above 100 l/min). This technique error was corrected in a larger number of patients in the intervention group, where the training at the 1 month visit focused on this specific aspect of technique. Inhaled volume was only low in two patients and this was corrected after they received their tailored training. Inhalation delay times were satisfactory for all patients. This study was able to provide real-life insights into adult asthmatic inhalation techniques and demonstrated the ability of the Smart Spacer to highlight specific errors, thus enabling the HCP to focus and tailor their consultation time on the key areas with subsequent improvements in technique observed.
Summary
Although inhalers have been on the market for more than 50 years and the technology associated with the devices themselves has evolved, they are still often used incorrectly. In recent years, a few different ‘smart’ inhalers have been developed with the aim of improving patient adherence to therapy, including improving inhaler technique. One prototype device currently being investigated clinically is a Smart Spacer (valved holding chamber). Patient inhaler technique assessments when using the Smart Spacer (with MDI) in an adult asthma study were performed with the objective of understanding general variability of some standard technique metrics as well as subsequent observations following feedback from HCPs. Peak inhalation flow rate, inhaled volume, and delay time between MDI actuation and inhalation were analysed from 29 patients over two consecutive 1 month periods, with a training visit in-between. Fifteen patients had standard technique training and 14 patients had tailored training based upon feedback from the first 1 month data. Many patients had average peak inhalation flow rates that were higher than ideal during the first month (14 out of the 29 patients were above 100 l/min). This technique error was corrected in a larger number of patients in the intervention group, where the training at the 1 month visit focused on this specific aspect of technique. Inhaled volume was only low in two patients and this was corrected after they received their tailored training. Inhalation delay times were satisfactory for all patients. This study was able to provide real-life insights into adult asthmatic inhalation techniques and demonstrated the ability of the Smart Spacer to highlight specific errors, thus enabling the HCP to focus and tailor their consultation time on the key areas with subsequent improvements in technique observed.
Summary
Although inhalers have been on the market for more than 50 years and the technology associated with the devices themselves has evolved, they are still often used incorrectly. In recent years, a few different ‘smart’ inhalers have been developed with the aim of improving patient adherence to therapy, including improving inhaler technique. One prototype device currently being investigated clinically is a Smart Spacer (valved holding chamber). Patient inhaler technique assessments when using the Smart Spacer (with MDI) in an adult asthma study were performed with the objective of understanding general variability of some standard technique metrics as well as subsequent observations following feedback from HCPs. Peak inhalation flow rate, inhaled volume, and delay time between MDI actuation and inhalation were analysed from 29 patients over two consecutive 1 month periods, with a training visit in-between. Fifteen patients had standard technique training and 14 patients had tailored training based upon feedback from the first 1 month data. Many patients had average peak inhalation flow rates that were higher than ideal during the first month (14 out of the 29 patients were above 100 l/min). This technique error was corrected in a larger number of patients in the intervention group, where the training at the 1 month visit focused on this specific aspect of technique. Inhaled volume was only low in two patients and this was corrected after they received their tailored training. Inhalation delay times were satisfactory for all patients. This study was able to provide real-life insights into adult asthmatic inhalation techniques and demonstrated the ability of the Smart Spacer to highlight specific errors, thus enabling the HCP to focus and tailor their consultation time on the key areas with subsequent improvements in technique observed.