Experience of Using Electronic Inhaler Monitoring Devices for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Asthma: Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies.

Abstract

Background: Electronic inhaler monitoring devices (EIMDs) can enhance medication adherence in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, yet patient perceptions and experiences with these devices vary widely. A systematic qualitative synthesis is required to comprehensively understand patient perspectives on EIMDs, to lay the foundation for developing strategies to improve patient compliance.

Objective: This study aims to systematically evaluate qualitative studies on the experiences of patients with COPD and asthma using EIMDs, providing insights to support their clinical application and improve patient engagement.

Methods: This review synthesized qualitative data from reports found through a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsycInfo from January 1983 to July 2024. The reports assessed patient experiences with EIMDs for COPD and asthma. The quality of the included reports was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program criteria developed by the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, University of Oxford, UK.

Results: A total of 7 reports were included, encompassing data from 44 patients with COPD and 146 with asthma. Findings were organized into 9 sub-themes and 3 themes: positive experiences with EIMDs (usability and easy acceptance, enhanced self-management); stresses and challenges of using these devices (negative emotional stress, device trust issues, social difficulties, economic burdens, and technical challenges); and patient expectations from these devices (expectations related to device construction and function and external support).

Conclusions: Patients have positive experiences using electronic monitoring devices for inhalation devices but also face various social, psychological, and technical challenges. Health care workers should consider patient experiences with EIMDs to tailor these devices to patient needs, ultimately enhancing device acceptance and adherence. Further research should focus on increasing EIMDs convenience and usability for patients with COPD and asthma.