Technological advancements in healthcare are reshaping the way chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are managed. Among the emerging tools, wearable devices like smartwatches and sensor-enabled inhalers have gained traction due to their ability to promote treatment adherence, track inhalation patterns, and offer real-time data to healthcare teams (Kahnert et al., 2023).

This paper focuses on the impact of digital inhalers in improving the care of patients with asthma and COPD, based on a thorough review of literature identified using the Capella University Library, PubMed, CINAHL, and SpringerLink. Key search terms included “smart inhalers,” “digital inhalers,” “asthma adherence technology,” and “remote COPD monitoring.” The analysis stemmed from insights obtained from Sentinel U simulations involving the character Lynn Tan, whose case emphasized the relevance of this technology in nursing care. Selected literature from the last five years was assessed for peer-reviewed evidence on how digital inhalers impact clinical outcomes.

Assumptions

This review is grounded in the assumption that smart inhaler technology can markedly enhance medication adherence and enable real-time disease tracking in asthma and COPD patients. It further assumes that health professionals are increasingly incorporating these tools into routine care, motivated by a growing shift toward digital health innovations. The selected studies posit that smart inhalers offer measurable benefits in chronic disease management and clinical practice optimization.

Annotated Bibliography

Citation	Summary
Anticevich, S., Bakerly, N. D., Chrystyn, H., Hew, M., & Palen, J. (2023)	This study investigates wearable devices such as smartwatches in the context of asthma and COPD management. It details how these devices can track vital signs, promote early detection of exacerbations, and support consistent self-monitoring. The integration of real-time health data into nursing care enhances individualized interventions and strengthens collaborative care across healthcare teams. The study offers robust evidence for wearable tech in chronic disease care.
Eikholt, A. A., Hew, M., & van Boven. (2023)	The narrative review highlights electronic monitoring devices (EMDs) that assist in optimizing inhaler technique among asthma patients. It identifies multiple devices capable of detecting misuse, offering feedback, and tracking patient behavior. These devices are crucial in patient education, but challenges remain regarding affordability and insurance reimbursement. For nursing professionals, the data from EMDs facilitate improved care plans and monitoring systems.
Mosnaim, G. S., Greiwe, J., Jariwala, S. P., Pleasants, R., & Merchant, R. (2022)	This article evaluates how remote patient monitoring (RPM) tools, including smart inhalers, impact medication adherence and safety outcomes in COPD care. The results demonstrate better compliance, reduced exacerbations, and more efficient nurse-led interventions. It supports digital inhaler usage as a tool for comprehensive chronic care management and enhances interdisciplinary collaboration.
Long, H., Li, S., & Chen, Y. (2023)	This research explores the role of digital inhalers in medication adherence and monitoring among patients with asthma and COPD. The authors emphasize real-time data sharing, early intervention, and collaborative care. They argue that these devices reduce medication errors and enable proactive management of chronic conditions. The findings are relevant for nurses seeking to apply real-time tech tools to strengthen care delivery and patient education.
Ramachandran, H., Oh, J. L., Cheong, Y. K., Jiang, Y., Teo, J. Y. C., Seah, C. W. A., Yu, M., & Wang, W. (2023)	This scoping review investigates the enablers and barriers to implementing smart inhalers in COPD care. It confirms the effectiveness of digital inhalers in enhancing adherence, reducing hospital admissions, and improving patient outcomes. The study also underscores the importance of training, institutional support, and cost analysis in successful deployment. The findings aid nurses and other healthcare workers in overcoming practical implementation barriers.

Artificial Intelligence Integration

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly valuable role in enhancing digital inhaler functionality. AI can analyze usage patterns and real-time respiratory data to forecast exacerbations, alert healthcare professionals, and provide personalized feedback. Such integration supports patient-specific strategies, early intervention, and efficient care planning. Long et al. (2023) affirm that AI-enabled digital tools not only optimize nursing workflows but also enhance patient outcomes by ensuring timely responses and adherence monitoring.

Summary of Recommendations

The studies reviewed consistently demonstrate that digital inhalers, especially when paired with AI, enhance chronic disease management by facilitating real-time adherence tracking and symptom surveillance (Long et al., 2023; Mosnaim et al., 2022). The technology supports interdisciplinary collaboration, data-informed care decisions, and more accurate patient education initiatives (Eikholt et al., 2023). From a nursing perspective, digital inhalers offer tools to reduce workload, improve patient safety, and ensure better outcomes (Anticevich et al., 2023).

Successful adoption of digital inhalers necessitates careful attention to organizational readiness, including infrastructure, funding, staff training, and a supportive culture. Policies should be established to govern data privacy, device integration, and evidence-based implementation. Digital inhalers have been shown to enhance patient engagement, decrease hospital visits, and empower healthcare teams (Ramachandran et al., 2023). Moreover, their usage improves workplace satisfaction by enabling more cohesive, coordinated care delivery.

References

Anticevich, S., Bakerly, N. D., Chrystyn, H., Hew, M., & Palen, J. (2023). Advancing digital solutions to overcome longstanding barriers in asthma and COPD management. Patient Preference and Adherence, 17, 259–272. https://doi.org/10.2147/ppa.s385857

Eikholt, A. A., Hew, M., & van Boven. (2023). Electronic monitoring devices to support inhalation technique in patients with asthma: A narrative review. Curr Treat Options Allergy, 10(1), 28–52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40521-023-00328-7

Kahnert, K., Jörres, R. A., Behr, J., & Welte, T. (2023). The diagnosis and treatment of COPD and its comorbidities. PubMed, 120(25), 434–444. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.m2023.027

Long, H., Li, S., & Chen, Y. (2023). Digital health in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine, 9(2), 90–103. https://doi.org/10.1002/cdt3.68

Mosnaim, G. S., Greiwe, J., Jariwala, S. P., Pleasants, R., & Merchant, R. (2022). Digital inhalers and remote patient monitoring for asthma. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 10(10), 2525–2533. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2022.06.026