COMPLIANCE MONITORING FOR INHALERS

摘要

Devices and methods are disclosed for monitoring a patient's compliance with an inhaler treatment regimen. The device may monitor an inhaler's motion to determine whether the motion is characteristic of typical inhaler use. Additionally, the device may monitor a temperature of the inhaler or in proximity to the mouthpiece to determine whether a patient has used the inhaler. The devices and methods may incorporate a smart phone application that provides notifications and alerts to aid in compliance with the medication regimen.

主权项

1. A monitor system for detecting usage of an inhaler, the monitor system comprising:
a compact housing configured to be removably connectable to an inhaler that is configured to enclose and deliver inhalable medication to a user; a controller located within the housing; an inhaler communication interface within the compact housing in electronic communication with the controller and configured to send and receive data; a memory and a battery in electrical communication with the controller and contained within the housing; a motion sensor in electrical communication with the controller that outputs data indicative of a motion of the housing, the motion sensor configured to be physically coupled to the inhaler such that it can detect signature motions of the inhaler and the enclosed medication, the signature motions comprising at least two movements of the inhaler occurring within a first time window of one another and indicative of preparation by a user for administration of a dose of the medication; a temperature sensor in electrical communication with the controller, the temperature sensor configured to detect confirming temperatures on or near the inhaler within a second time window of any signature motions, the temperature sensor configured to be within a given distance of the mouth of the user, the temperatures indicative of a proper dosage breathing pattern, the temperatures indicative that a dose of the medication was administered; a mobile personal computing device remote from the housing and configured to receive data from the inhaler communication interface, the computing device having a processor configured to:
process data output from the motion sensor to identify signature motions by comparison to reference data from a database, the reference data indicating sensor results indicative of preparation by a user and proper administration of a dose of the medication;process data output from the temperature sensor to identify confirming temperatures indicative of proper administration of a dose of the medication; andevaluate timing of any signature motions in the first time window and confirming temperatures in the second time window to determine whether a use of the inhaler has occurred; andcause the mobile personal computing device to display information to the user related to compliance with the medication dosage regimen.