Koronis Biomedical Technologies (KBT) proposes to develop an inhaler training system for elder patients with the goal of improving the use of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs). Inhalers deliver medication directly to the lungs and are widely used to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in older patients. It is also very important for clinicians to assess an elder patient?s overall inhalation capability when prescribing a particular inhaled medication. Often, an older patient cannot achieve the required inhalation maneuver for an inhaler. Studies have repeatedly observed that a significant proportion of inhaler users are not using their inhalers correctly. When correctly administered, inhaled medications are highly effective in treating COPD and reducing morbidity and mortality. Correct inhalation technique is critical for the successful use of pMDIs and DPIs. Yet proper inhaler technique is difficult for patients to maintain, and compliance has been shown to deteriorate with time. Improper technique results in suboptimal medication delivery and has significant consequences, including increasing emergency room visits and lower quality of life scores. Frequent reassessment and retraining have been recommended by the Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) and it has been shown that training needs to be regularly repeated and reinforced.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death by disease in the United States. More than 16 million people have been diagnosed with the progressive lung disease. Properly administering inhaled medications for the treatment of COPD could have a significant impact on managing the disease.
