International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 210-220 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 214 In addition to physical improvements, digital innovations such as smart inhalers, which track usage and monitor inhalation techniques, are now helping patients and healthcare providers better understand treatment adherence patterns. These digital tools allow for real-time feedback, reminding patients when to take their medication and alerting healthcare providers when inhaler technique errors occur. Classic cases show that smart inhalers, when integrated into clinical practice, help reduce the number of exacerbations by encouraging better adherence and correct usage (Bosnic-Anticevich et al., 2023). These innovations hold the potential to revolutionize COPD management, making inhalation therapy more effective and user-friendly. Table 1 Principal features of available inhalers (Adopted from Bonini and Usmani, 2015) Device Type Advantages Disadvantages Pressurisedmetered-dose inhalers (pMDI’s) CFC driven (obsolete) Portable and compact Ozone-depleting properties (CFC driven) HFAdriven Independent of inspiratory flow Better perform with spacers (CFC driven) Breath-actuated Reproducible dosing Need to be shaken prior use (CFC driven) No contamination risk Require coordination between actuation and inspiration (CFC and HFA driven) Quick and easy to use High oropharyngeal deposition Wide variety of drugs available Cold Freon effect Lowcost Dry powderinhalers (DPI’s) Single-dose Portable and compact Inspiratory flow dependent Multi-dose Do not require coordination Poor dose reproducibility Power-assisted Quick and easy to use Affected by environmental factors (i.e. humidity) No spacer required Soft-mist inhaler Portable Dose loading into device Slow velocity aerosol Long plume duration Does not require coordination No propellant No spacer required Nebulisers Jet Propellant free Bulky equipment Vibrating mesh High patient’s adherence More complex use Ultrasonic Slow velocity aeroso Power source Requires frequent cleaning 4.3 Patient education and adherence to inhalation therapies Adherence to inhalation therapy is critical for the successful management of COPD, yet many patients struggle with using inhalers correctly. Studies show that poor inhaler technique, such as improper breath coordination or insufficient inspiratory force, leads to inadequate medication delivery and reduced therapeutic benefits (Hesso et al., 2016). Patient education is a crucial component in improving both adherence and technique. Educational interventions, such as pharmacist-led training sessions or structured teaching by healthcare professionals, have been shown to significantly improve patients' ability to use their inhalers properly. Classic cases reveal that patients who received tailored education on inhaler technique experienced fewer exacerbations and reported better symptom control compared to those who did not receive such training. These programs often involve repeated sessions to reinforce proper usage and are most effective when integrated into routine care (Vázquez-González et al., 2023). Patient education, coupled with regular reassessments of inhaler technique, ensures long-term adherence to inhalation therapy, ultimately improving disease outcomes and quality of life.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNQ==