Automated Inhaler Monitoring for Asthma Medication Usage

Purpose

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the aflo™ digital platform's ability to improve inhaler use technique and asthma control for children, adolescents, and adults with uncontrolled asthma. The main questions the trial aims to answer are: 1. Does the platform improve medication adherence and inhaler technique, as measured by the Inhaler Proficiency Score (IPS)? 2. Does the aflo™ platform improve asthma control, as measured by changes in the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and lung function tests (FEV1, PEF)? Participants will: - Use the aflo™ sensor with their asthma inhaler to receive real-time feedback on technique and medication adherence reminders. - Track asthma symptoms and quality of life through a mobile app. - Complete assessment visits and surveys at the start and end of the 3-month study and 2 interim asthma assessment phone calls.

Condition

  • Asthma

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 10 Years
Eligible Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  1. Youth or adult with a diagnosis of persistent asthma by a physician. 2. Evidence of uncontrolled asthma as defined by an FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 80% by an asthma provider within the past 3 months, all while on controller asthma therapy. 3. Females or males between the ages of 10 years and older 4. Participant or caregiver must have an Apple and/or Android smart phone with operating system 4.3 or above and data plan for the duration of the study period

Exclusion Criteria

  1. Participants with other cardiac, pulmonary with exception of asthma, neuromuscular disorders that impact breathing, or other conditions that hinder patient to perform spirometry. 2. Participants with severe neurobehavioral, neurodevelopmental, or psychiatric disorders requiring special assistance 3. The participant's guardian or the patient has comprehension or language difficulties that prevent understanding of study materials (available in English) or effective training on the app or device. 4. Patients are currently receiving biologic therapies for asthma management or other allergic diseases.

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
N/A
Intervention Model
Single Group Assignment
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Intervention group
Participants will use the aflo™ digital platform, which includes an electronic inhaler sensor, a mobile application, and a clinician portal. The platform provides real-time feedback on inhaler technique and sends medication reminders to improve adherence. Participants will also receive daily symptom tracking prompts and monthly Asthma Control Test (ACT) assessments. During the study, participants will: - Attach the aflo™ sensor to their metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and use it with or without a spacer, based on their prescribed regimen. - Complete at least one supervised inhalation session during the baseline visit to ensure proper use of the sensor. - Use the aflo™ mobile app to log asthma symptoms, medication usage, and track reminders. - Participate in two clinic visits (at baseline and study completion) and two follow-up phone calls (at weeks 4 and 8) to monitor progress.
  • Device: Smart Inhaler Monitoring Platform for Asthma Management
    The intervention utilizes the aflo™ digital platform, a comprehensive system designed to improve asthma management through advanced technology. It integrates the following components: 1. Electronic Inhaler Sensor: The sensor attaches to a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and a spacer (if applicable) to automate and provide feedback on the six critical steps of proper inhaler technique, such as shaking the inhaler, breathing out, inhaling slowly, and holding the breath. The sensor also records and stores medication usage data securely. 2. Mobile Application: The app delivers real-time notifications and feedback on inhaler technique, sends reminders for daily controller medication, tracks asthma symptoms, and provides monthly Asthma Control Test (ACT) assessments. It also offers reminders for spacer cleaning and customizable alerts for caregivers. 3. Clinician Portal: Data collected from the sensor and app is accessible via a secure clinician portal, enabling healthcare providers to monitor pa

Recruiting Locations

Boston Children's Hospital
Boston 4930956, Massachusetts 6254926 02115
Contact:
Wanda Phipatanakul
857-218-5336
Asthma@childrens.harvard.edu

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Boston Children's Hospital

Study Contact

Wanda Phipatanakul, MD
857-218-5336
Asthma@childrens.harvard.edu