The 10 Most Innovative Digital Healthcare Solution Providers 2018

The GPS sensor of the inhaler is a unique feature which actively records where and when the puff was taken, with this
data over a period of time, it comes up with a pattern, without any necessity of personal diaries or other conscious
entry of information. The time and location data for each use is linked with a wide range of factors from
environmental, geographic, traffic, to numerous neighborhood data, thus creating a map of asthma attack incidences.
With the help of this understanding of when and where the prophylactic puff of rescue medication was taken, the
trigger of the attack can be altogether eliminated.
How the IoT helps Doctors and Patients Communicate
The amalgamation of technology in healthcare sector is beneficial only when it reinforces the relationship between the
patients and doctors; it is not intended to substitute the bond. Currently, there is a suite of profession-oriented
applications available to the healthcare professionals and physicians, which provide them tools to monitor various
aspects of AI-based therapy suggestions and data analytics. This allows them to be up-to-date instantly, to help them
make an informed, smart and personalized treatment for their patients. A sensor on an inhaler can be a boon as it would
provide a wealth of data, which can in-turn be used to improve adherence to medication. This data at the hands of
physicians will allow them to understand the actual usage of the medication, by focusing on behavior changes,
possible triggers, and hindrances to adherence. However, the major issue that needs to be addressed is privacy and
security concerns, with such close monitoring of the patients.
The Players and the Market
There are various companies that are currently looking into this technology. One of the prominent smart inhaler
manufacturers has partnered with the Weather Channel to observe air quality in Louisville, Kentucky. As a part of a
program, some companies have been giving out free sensors for rescue inhalers, and the other for maintenance inhalers
to city residents with asthma. The market of smart inhalers is estimated to reach $191 million globally by 2022, which
is approximately projecting an annual growth rate of 60%, according to a popular market research.
Big pharmaceutical companies, who have a significant portfolio in the Asthma and COPD, are forming alliances with
the top technology giants, to develop smart inhalers. This shows how quickly generic competition can catch up with a
potentially lucrative smart inhaler market. Development and launch of this sensor based smart inhaler offers the user
simple metrics and custom-made advice for a more active control of their ailment. At the expense of smart inhalers,
healthcare professionals are armed with a suite of specialized applications, providing remote monitoring tools, which
can precisely and rapidly inform them. This enabled them to make smarter, informed and personalize decisions
catering to the needs of the patients.
44 | July 2018 |