Propeller Health, a leader in digital health and therapeutics for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), revealed two recent studies that showed that digital health interventions alongside appropriate care resources and tools can expand access and improve outcomes for elderly and underserved populations. Propeller’s digital health platform includes Bluetooth® connected inhaler sensors that chime medication reminders and record inhaler medication use, paired with a smartphone app that provides education and feedback to support self-management.
In a study1 conducted in partnership with Desert Oasis Healthcare, Propeller evaluated the effect of digital health intervention on healthcare resource utilization and medication use in patients with COPD. 56 patients with COPD, average age 75, were enrolled by their clinical pharmacists, who received alerts through Propeller’s clinician portal whenever patients showed low controller medication adherence or high rescue inhaler use.
After six months, the study showed a 48% reduction in healthcare resource utilization and 61.5% controller medication adherence among enrolled patients. The reduction in utilization included a 24% decrease in COPD-related oral corticosteroid prescriptions and a 45% decline in COPD-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
In another study2, Propeller teamed up with the Detroit Health Department, Detroit Public Schools Community District, Wayne State University and Kids’ Health Connections, a nonprofit that provides health education and services to Medicaid-enrolled and other economically disadvantaged children, to deliver a digital program to help children aged 6-13 years better manage their asthma between doctor appointments. Caregivers and providers received regular access to the data to monitor trends in the children’s respiratory health.
Over a three month period, average rescue inhaler use decreased 63% among the 51 children enrolled, suggesting they experienced fewer asthma-related symptoms. Average duration without rescue inhaler use increased by nearly three days per month, further suggesting that the children enjoyed more days without asthma impact. Overall, 76% of the participants increased their number of days without rescue inhaler use.
“These results demonstrate the potential of digital health tools backed by coaching and clinical support in improving healthcare access and health equity for people who need it the most,” said Susa Monacelli, Propeller Health general manager. “We are committed to scaling our programs through remote therapeutic monitoring and value-based care arrangements to help even more people benefit from digital health interventions and enjoy better quality of life.”
1Presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress 2021
2Barrett et al. (2021).
