Maximizing patient compliance with smart spirometry for clinical trials

Smart spirometry devices have significant potential to improve patient outcomes in clinical research studies, provided that patients remain consistent in performing the required tests and measurements. This is why maximizing patient compliance with smart spirometry in clinical trials is crucial to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data obtained.

Advantages of remote spirometry for clinical trials

As respiratory diseases are a major cause of morbidity worldwide, lung function testing, such as spirometry, plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of these conditions. While traditional spirometry involves performing tests in a clinical setting, the opportunities offered by the digital era have made it possible to perform spirometry remotely through the use of smart devices.

In clinical research studies, these devices can be used to monitor patients’ progression and respiratory outcomes, allowing for:

• Evaluate treatment efficacy. Smart spirometry provides reliable lung function data before and after treatment, helping determine the effectiveness of new medications or therapies
• Enable long-term monitoring. It helps assess whether a treatment remains effective over time and whether it slows disease progression
• Support personalized treatments. Spirometry results can identify patient subgroups who may respond differently, enabling tailored treatment strategies

Why maximizing patient compliance is key for better outcomes

Studies have found that smart spirometry can lead to a reduction in asthma- and COPD-related emergencies, reducing the number of hospital admissions and improving the overall quality of life for patients.

Maximizing patient adherence in smart spirometry is vital because it provides accurate, real-time lung function data that enables personalized treatment plans, early intervention, and better patient education. High compliance leads to more reliable data, preventing misdiagnosis and improving outcomes by allowing clinicians to accurately track disease progression, predict exacerbations, and adjust therapies promptly. Ultimately, this improves patient engagement and health outcomes while reducing healthcare costs.

How to do it successfully

The first step to maximize patient compliance with smart spirometry is communication, followed by clear instructions and constant support. Here is a quick three-step guide to obtain the best results for both your research and their disease progression.

Step 1: focus on clear communication

Patient education can often make the difference when trying to build successful habits. Provide patients with clear, concise, and easy-to-understand instructions on how to use the smart spirometer and the associated app, as well as the required commitment and plans to follow.

Do not underestimate the potential of digital devices: video tutorials, diagrams, or other visual aids can be a truly useful resource to teach them the proper spirometry technique. Easy access to these tools can significantly enhance patient motivation. If necessary, however, consider the option of in-person demonstrations, allowing patients to practice and ask questions.

Step 2: provide intuitive and reliable tools

A captivating design is not enough: to ensure patient compliance with smart spirometry in clinical trials, your devices need to be easy to use.

Make sure the smart spirometers provided are equipped with:

• An intuitive interface that can be easily navigated and understood. Ideally, it should also be compatible with mobile devices
• Automated feedback options, allowing the patients to know if they are using the devices correctly
• Easy result-sharing, allowing professionals and researchers to monitor patient progression without the need for extra steps to convert and share test results. Naturally, all data must be stored and accessed in compliance with privacy regulations

Step 3: be present for support and follow-ups

Ongoing support and monitoring keeps patients motivated and on track. Schedule regular follow-ups to answer questions and concerns.

Patients may sometimes find it difficult to follow routines. Be ready to address any technical issue and provide motivational feedback to ensure better adherence to schedules.

Where to find the best spirometer for remote spirometry

With over 30 years of experience and products distributed in more than 100 different countries, MIR is a global leader in the field of spirometry and oximetry.

Our range of products includes award-winning spirometers for remote care and personal use. Visit the dedicated page on our website to find the best solution for your research needs or contact us for a personal appointment with one of our representatives.