Feasibility of an Asthma App to Monitor Inhaler Adherence in Primary Care: a 4-Month Prospective Multicentre Study

InspirerMundi app objectively monitors inhaler adherence, while providing a positive experience through gamification and social support. We assessed the feasibility of the InspirerMundi app in primary care. Patients with asthma (≥13y, treated with daily inhaled medication), from 30 primary care centres, were invited by their general practitioner to use the app for 4 months and register: scheduled medication (considered taken when patients photograph the inhaler, blister, or other medication using the image-based detection tool); use of relief medication; the Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) and daily/weekly symptom questionnaires. Adherence was calculated considering the medication taken and scheduled on days with app use. After 4 months, patients were interviewed regarding app satisfaction (1-5 scale). 139 patients (34±14y) were recruited and 123(88%) completed the interview. 125(90%) installed the app and used it a median[P25-P75] of 5[1-19] days. Medication was registered in the app by 108(86%) patients: 108 ≥1 inhaler, 32 ≥1 pill and 18 ≥1 others. Median medication adherence was 36[0-70]% for inhalers, 33[0-81]% for pills and 19[0-52]% for others; 34(27%) patients registered the use of relief medication. Over ⅔ (n=87) of patients answered ≥1 CARAT, 37(30%) ≥3 weekly and 22(18) ≥10 daily symptom questionnaires. Patients were highly satisfied with the medication adherence (97, 79% ≥4) and symptom (101, 82% ≥4) monitoring features; 107(87%) stated that they would recommend the app to others. InspirerMundi app was feasible in patients with asthma followed up in primary care. Studies assessing the magnitude of effect of the app are being planned.