A Randomized, Open Label Study to Assess the Impact of Electronic Information Technology in Treatment of Obstructive Airway Disease on Inhaler Therapy in Tertiary Care Hospital

Background

Over 300 million people are affected worldwide with asthma. Asthma, COPD and TOPD are respiratory disorders of chronic inflammatory illness causing bronchial hyperactivity. eHealth applications are widely used nowadays in assisting patients with lifelong diseases.

Aim and Objectives

To assess the medication adherence of Obstructive airway disease patients who are using electronic applications.

Materials and Methods

A randomized open label trial study was conducted in department of Respiratory medicine, Dhiraj Hospital, Vadodara with the sample of 90 subjects divided into groups A (with application) and B (without application). Patients’ medical records and information such as demographics, medical history and smartphone accessibility were checked.

Results

There was total 90 subjects enrolled, out of them 55.55% were male and 44.45% were female. Mean age of the patients was 43.27±15.54 which shows that majority of our study population were in 4^th decade of their age. In this study, Bronchial Asthma was found to be the most prevalent among the study population and which presented in more than 90% of the patients, followed by COPD and TOPD. In Group A, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and PEFR was significantly improved as compared to Group B at the time of End of Study Visit. Medication Adherence of group A, at interim visit was found to be 68.89%, which later on, at the end of study was found to be significantly increased to 95.56%, using chi square test. Rescue medication was required more in Group B as compared to Group A however results were not statistically significant. Adverse events were noted in both groups however it was seen higher in Group B but results are not significant.

Conclusion

eHealth application has a wide role in assisting the long-term management diseases medication. Application represents a strategy to increase the medication adherence and helps in providing guidance to patients.