JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The majority of medications used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are taken by metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) Studies have reported that most patients demonstrate poor inhaler technique which resulted in poor disease control. Digital Health applications have the potential to improve the technique and adherence to inhaled medicications.

Objective:

The purpose of the prospective observational study is to validate the effectiveness of the BreatheSuite MDI device in assessing the technique of taking a dose via an MDI.

Methods:

The study was a prospective observational study. Thirty participants who self-reported a diagnosis of asthma or COPD were recruited from community pharmacies in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Participants used a BreatheSuite MDI device attached to a placebo MDI and resembled taking three doses. Pharmacists used a scoring sheet to evaluate the technique of using the MDI. An independent researcher compared the results of the pharmacist’s scoring sheet with the BreatheSuite device results.

Results:

This study found that the BreatheSuite MDI can objectively detect several MDI technique errors. The data recorded by the BreatheSuite MDI device showed that all participants performed at least one error in using the MDI. The BreatheSuite device captured approximately 40% more errors compared to observation alone. The distribution of participants performing errors in MDI steps as recorded by BreathSuite compared to errors reported by observation alone were as follows: shaking before actuation 33.3% vs. 25.5%; upright orientation of inhaler during actuation 66.7% vs 18.87%; coordination (actuating after the start of inhalation) 75.6% vs 35.5%; duration of inspiration 96.7% vs. 34.4%.

Conclusions:

The BreatheSuite MDI can objectively detect several MDI technique errors that were missed by observation alone. It has the potential to enhance treatment outcomes among patients with chronic lung diseases.