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Clip-Tone smart inhaler technology has been identified by clinicians and patient groups alike as a critical way of enhancing outcomes for asthma and other respiratory diseases.
FREMONT, CA: A study presented at the Primary Care Respiratory Society conference this week shows that the Clip-Tone smart inhaler technology helps asthma patients and guides them to enhance their inhaler technique. This is the first time that technology has been shown to have a real-world effect on inhaler technique. The study evaluated the Clip-Tone device, which attaches to the inhaler and offers an audible signal when the inhaler is being used alongside the Clip-Tone Buddy smartphone app, which delivers real-time visual feedback on the user's inhaler duration and technique.
A combination of Clip-Tone smart device and companion app navigates users towards improved inhaler technique, a vital element in improved asthma outcomes. One hundred percent of users found the device and smartphone app useful and would continue to use them. Recent research suggests that 22 percent of asthma patients in the UK are not using their inhalers correctly. All participants who used the Clip-Tone Buddy app found the visual feedback helpful and would continue using it.
Getting patients to consistently adopt good inhaler technique has been an enduring challenge for all inhaler development. The study suggests that providing real-time cues and feedback can help encourage consistent behavior through the use of simple, low-cost technology. Everyday use of the Clip-Tone device and smartphone app associated with daily medications could promote improved inhalation technique. The study also found that the algorithms used by the Clip-Tone Buddy app have a too high sensitivity, more than 92 percent. The real-world patient usage data gathered in this study will be used to further refine the algorithms and increase the technology's accuracy.
Technology like the Clip-Tone device and smartphone app could help healthcare professionals monitor and identify any issues with their patient's inhaler technique, even remote consultations.
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