Results from a study of Adherium’s Smartinhaler adherence monitoring system showing a 5-fold reduction in hospitalizations over a one-year period for children with poorly controlled asthma who used the device have been published online by the journal Thorax.
The STAAR study also found that adherence among the 38 children who completed the study using the Smartinhaler device averaged 70% compared to 49% for the 39 children who received usual care. Oral steroid usage was 53% greater in the group receiving usual care. Clinical benefits for the group using Smartinhaler increased over time, with the greatest benefits seen at 9 and 12 months.
Lead investigator Robert Morton of Sheffield Children’s Hospital said, “This study provides good evidence that adherence monitoring with feedback can significantly improve clinical outcomes when used in the management of children with poorly controlled asthma. The benefits of the intervention were sustained over a prolonged period of time, and we have shown that this approach can be effectively administered in a clinically practical way. We would recommend this approach to be integrated into the standard care of children with poorly controlled asthma.”
Adherium CEO Garth Sutherland said, “Seeing a significant increase in medication adherence and reduction in asthma exacerbations combined with a reduction in children being admitted to hospital is proof of the clinical effectiveness of our Smartinhaler technology. The impact of adherence monitoring on the health of patients is clear and we continue to work with our partners to make it accessible to all those who would benefit.”
Read the Thorax abstract.
Read the Adherium press release.
