A Soft Mist Inhaler with Sound and Motion Sensors for Improving Drug Usage Efficiency

This research proposed an advanced add-on device for monitoring inhaler usage, aiming to enhance patient education in inhaler technique. The device has capabilities to detect loaded movements, inhalation flow, and activation of soft mist inhalers (SMIs) usage. Results indicate a high accuracy of 96% in inhaler-loaded detection and 97% in inhalation duration time.Clinical relevance— Clinical trials among elderly Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) patients demonstrate the device’s effectiveness, exhibiting an increase from 59% to 89% in successful inhaler usage. The integration of this device can significantly enhance patient learning outcomes, hinting at a promising future for technology-driven approaches in healthcare education and patient care.