Effect of pharmacy-supported digital medicine program on asthma control

Abstract

Background: Optimal asthma control is typically a result of adherence to treatment, which includes adequate inhaler technique. A pharmacy-supported digital medicine program (DMP) combining inhaler sensors, mHealth applications, and pharmacist counseling has the potential to improve asthma control by improving adherence and inhaler technique.

Methods: This study was a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) initiated in 18 community pharmacies with data collection points at patient enrollment, 1, 3, 5 and 7 months. Inclusion was limited to patients with poorly/partially controlled asthma (ACT score < 20). All participants (n=68) received periodical face-to-face counseling with a pharmacist, covering adherence and inhaler technique. Patients in the intervention group also received the Respiro System for use in conjunction with their maintenance treatment, and had their face-to-face counseling personalized based on Respiro System data.

Results: Data from the study showed clinically meaningful improvements in the intervention group in terms of ACT scores compared to the control group (+5.9 vs. +2.9; p=0.007). Asthma control levels were linked to cost data, with average annual cost savings of €465.71 (p=0.04) in patients who received the intervention. Improved results compared to previously reported averages for asthma patients in terms of adherence (82%) and correct inhalation technique (64%) were also observed.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that combining inhaler sensors, mHealth applications, and pharmacist counseling can improve asthma control by improving adherence and inhaler technique to maintenance treatment for patients with uncontrolled asthma. (Funded by the European Institute of Technology).