Service development project to pilot a digital technology innovation for video direct observation of therapy in adult patients with asthma.

Abstract

Background: Adherence to pharmacotherapy and use of the correct inhaler technique are important basic principles of asthma management. Video- or remote-direct observation of therapy (v-DOT) could be a feasible approach to facilitate monitoring and supervising therapy, supporting the delivery of standard care.

Objective: To explore the utility and the feasibility of v-DOT to monitor inhaler technique and adherence to treatment in adults attending the asthma outpatient service in a tertiary hospital in Northern Ireland.

Method: The project evaluated use of the technology with 10 asthma patients. Patient and clinician feedback was obtained, in addition to measures of patient engagement and disease-specific clinical markers to assess the feasibility and utility of v-DOT technology in this group of patients.

Results: The engagement rate with v-DOT for participating patients averaged 78% (actual video uploads vs expected video uploads) over a median 7 week usage period. Although 50% of patients reported a technical issue at some stage during the usage period, all patients and clinicians reported that the technology was easy to use and that they were satisfied with the outcomes. A range of positive impacts were observed, including optimised inhaler technique and an observed improvement in lung function. An increase in asthma control test scores aligned with clinical aims to promote adherence and alleviate symptoms.

Conclusion: The v-DOT technology was shown to be a feasible method of assessing inhaler technique and monitoring adherence in this small group of adult asthma patients. A range of positive impacts for participating patients and clinicians were observed. Not all patients invited to join the project agreed to participate or engage with using the technology, highlighting that in this setting, digital modes of delivering care provide only one of the approaches in the necessary "tool kit" for clinicians and patients.