Using sensors to monitor inhalers improves adherence to asthma and COPD treatment

Electronic inhaler monitoring devices can significantly improve patient adherence to inhaled therapy in adults with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study by researchers from the Pharmacy and Pneumology Services of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau – IIB Sant, published in the journal Pharmaceuticals.

The researchers evaluated whether using sensors to monitor the use of maintenance and rescue inhalers was useful for making interventions to improve the health outcomes of these patients. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the topic. Eight observational studies and ten clinical trials were included, and the results indicate that the use of these devices improves adherence to inhalers. The results also indicated an improvement in the asthma control test score, but the effects on other clinical variables were mixed.

Inadequate adherence to pharmacological treatment is common in both asthma and COPD and is associated with an increased risk of exacerbations, increased use of systemic corticosteroids, and increased disease-related mortality. Electronic monitoring of inhalers can be an effective solution to improve adherence and clinical outcomes in these patients.

The study authors note that although there are different measures of adherence used in clinical practice, many of them are based on patient self-report and can be imprecise. Therefore, the use of these sensors can provide an objective and accurate way to measure adherence to inhalers in some patients. The electronically recorded information can be used for educational and clinical interventions in patients and the healthcare team.

Reference article

Noe Garin, Borja Zarate-Tamames, Laura Gras-Martin, Raimon Milà, Astrid Crespo-Lessmann, Elena Curto, Marta Hernandez, Conxita Mestres, Vicente Plaza. Clinical Impact of Electronic Monitoring Devices of Inhalers in Adults with Asthma or COPD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(3), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16030414