Unlocking the promise of digital inhalers: Insights from an in-vitro study

<bold>INTRODUCTION:</bold> Despite decades of inhaler use, inhalation device errors are prevalent, compromising treatment efficacy and substantial healthcare costs. Digital dry powder inhalers (DPIs) can offer real-time monitoring and remote support, potentially enhancing treatment adherence and patient technique. However, the impact of digitalization on the in-vitro performance and the bioavailable dose delivered remains understudied. METHOD 28 study participants received a DPI together and a training session from a licenced pharcacist. Participants in the "intervention" group utilized a smartphone application providing real-time feedback on inhalation technique, while no monitoring was available to the control group. Adherence was monitored and the impact of various improper inhalation techniques observed among participants on the device performance were evaluated in-vitro. <bold>Results:</bold> The intervention group showed significantly better inhalation technique and adherence (figure 1). <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA2324/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig> Figure 1 Inhaler technique comparison between Control (A) and Intervention (B) group. In-vitro simulations has shown that the various improper inhalation techniques observed among participants in the control group could lead to up to 65% of loss of bioavailable dose delivered from the device. <bold>CONCLUSION:</bold> Participants using a digitalized DPI with a companion app significantly improved adherence and demonstrated inhalation technique comparable to theoretical perfect inhalation.