A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial: Utilizing a Digital Inhaler Cap to Support for Remote Asthma Management in Adolescents With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Summary
Correct use of daily medications containing inhaled corticosteroids is key for asthma control, yet children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face additional barriers to proper inhaler use. Smart inhalers, a novel technology that provides guidance and immediate feedback on inhaler use techniques, have been shown to enhance correct medication administration in the typically developing pediatric population, but their effectiveness has not been evaluated on the pediatric IDD population for remote home use. This study aims to investigate whether daily application of smart inhalers (1) is feasible, acceptable and usable in the IDD population for remote asthma management, (2) improves the rate of medication use and correct medication administration, and (3) results in improvement in lung function. This effort aims to promote better asthma management in the IDD population for remote home use.
Description
The study is a single-blinded randomized-controlled pilot trial with a goal of 34 participants ages 10-17 years diagnosed with IDD and moderate-to-severe asthma. Subjects are recruited from subspecialty clinics and a primary care FQHC at a large, urban academic children's hospital. Participants in the intervention group are assigned to use active smart inhalers for remote home management daily for 8 weeks, and the control group receives standard asthma education and passive smart inhalers for remote home management. All participants attend three visits over 8 weeks, each scheduled four weeks…