Cystic fibrosis patients' preferences for electronic devices that monitor their inhalation - A qualitative study

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) use inhaled medicines daily due to respiratory manifestations. However, only 31 % of users is inhaling correctly. Digital solutions targeting inhalation could help CF patients improve their technique and thus health outcomes. However, the use of electronic monitoring devices shows a decrease over time. Therefore, the aim of study was to investigate CF patients' preferences for the use of electronic devices on their inhalation technique on a regular basis and reasons behind these preferences.

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 CF patients from four European countries to understand their disease history and experiences, daily use of inhaler medication, experiences with digital devices to achieve disease control, and expectations of new devices for monitoring inhalation. A conventional content analysis was applied.

CF patients knew their body well due to their lifelong experiences. However, some patients still experienced periods with more symptoms and need for support. Non-app support was preferred. CF patients reported that digital systems should provide high benefits for regular use. Patients differed in their interest in digital systems for inhalation. Such systems were mostly relevant to CF patients starting a new inhaled treatment/inhaler device or during periods in which the disease was out of control.

CF patients perceived limited value of digital systems to monitor their inhalation and mostly considered them necessary for specific periods. Extensive experience in using inhalers and existing daily routines to manage a high treatment burden appear involved in limited need of such systems.