An audiovisual reminder function improves adherence with inhaled corticosteroid therapy in asthma

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Health Technology

Background:

• Poor adherence to medication regimens is a significant challenge in managing chronic diseases like asthma.
• Optimizing adherence is crucial for effective long-term disease management and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an audiovisual reminder function (AVRF) in enhancing adherence to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy among adult asthma patients.
• To assess the impact of AVRF on medication adherence rates in a randomized controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• A 24-week randomized open-label study involving 110 adult or adolescent asthma subjects.
• Participants received fluticasone propionate via metered dose inhaler (MDI), with or without an AVRF.
• Adherence was measured using electronic covert adherence monitors, focusing on the proportion of medication taken as prescribed.

Main Results:

• The AVRF group demonstrated significantly higher medication adherence (93%) compared to the control group (74%) over the final 12 weeks (P < .0001).
• A greater proportion of subjects in the AVRF group achieved higher adherence levels (>50%, >80%, >90%) compared to controls.
• The ratio of proportions adherent was significantly improved with AVRF for all assessed adherence thresholds.

Conclusions:

• An audiovisual reminder function is a clinically effective tool for improving adherence to ICS therapy in adult asthma.
• AVRF holds promise for enhancing medication adherence in diverse disease states, benefiting both research and clinical practice.