Nexus6 has received 510(k) marketing clearance from the FDA for its new SmartTouch inhaler monitoring device. The device installs on to a patient’s inhaler to record the date and time the inhaler is used. This information is stored in the SmartTouch memory, and is automatically transmitted wirelessly to the patient’s phone, tablet, and/or computer. The SmartTouch builds up a history of patient medication usage patterns and encourages medication adherence. This in turn helps patients to remember to take their daily preventative medications as part of an ongoing self-management plan.
It is well known that it is difficult for patients to remember to take daily preventative medications over a long term as required for the management of many chronic diseases. For respiratory conditions such as asthma, it is common for patients to take between 30% and 50% of prescribed preventative medications.
SmartTouch installs on to a patient’s inhaler to record the date and time the inhaler is used. This information is then automatically transmitted to the patient’s phone, tablet, and/or computer, and can also be accessed by a physician.On the other hand, SmartTouch also adds value to the patient’s physician who is able to review this information to help make evidence based decisions on how best to meet their patient’s needs. In the absence of such information, accurately assessing individual patient medication requirements is challenging.
Finally, the SmartTouch is also of value in home monitoring programs, such as hospital re-admission prevention programs, where maintaining medication adherence after hospital discharge is a key objective.