DATA FROM A MAINTENANCE AND RELIEVER DIGITAL SYSTEM SUPPORT PATIENT–CLINICIAN INTERACTIONS IN ASTHMA

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> In the Maintenance and Reliever Digital System (MRDS), the Digihaler integrated inhalers (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol and albuterol Digihalers) transmit data wirelessly to a mobile application, which transfers data to a web-based Dashboard. The 6-month CONNECT2 study (NCT04677959) evaluated the MRDS in participants aged ≥13 years with suboptimal asthma control (Asthma Control Test score <19). This analysis explored differences in frequency/types of participant–clinician interactions undertaken for asthma management of participants using the MRDS versus those using the standard of care (SoC) maintenance and reliever inhalers. <h3>Methods</h3> 427 eligible participants were randomized 4:3 to the MRDS or SoC. For the MRDS group, clinicians obtained inhaler usage and inhalation quality data via the Dashboard, recorded reasons for participant contact outside of scheduled visits, and answered asthma management questions at each visit. Adjusted between-group differences (MRDS vs SoC) are reported with 95% credible intervals (CrI). <h3>Results</h3> More participant–clinician interactions occurred in the MRDS group (n=210) versus the SoC group (n=181) (989 vs 473; mean difference [95% CrI]: 2.06 [1.691, 2.437]) (Figure). Compared with SoC, the MRDS was associated with substantially more technique-related participant–clinician interactions (277 vs 2; mean difference [95% CrI]: 0.94 [0.787, 1.098]), fewer planned follow-up interactions (168 vs 276; mean difference [95% CrI]: −0.66 [−0.881, −0.456]), and more frequent inhaler technique/adherence discussions (735 vs 150; mean difference [95% CrI]: 2.60 [2.301, 2.894]) (Figure). <h3>Conclusion</h3> A correlation was observed between use of the MRDS and interactions prompted by and leading to discussions on inhaler technique/adherence. These results suggest that the MRDS provides relevant information for asthma management.