The Adaptive Aerosol Delivery system in a telehealth setting: patient acceptance, performance and feasibility.
BACKGROUND
The telehealth service is one of the fastest growing healthcare segments. It is increasingly utilizing computer technology and telecommunication equipment to either provide continuous vital sign monitoring or facilitate patient care at home, rather than relying solely on in-person care.


METHODS
We conducted a 6-week open study in nineteen patients with cystic fibrosis enrolled from three centers, to investigate patient perception of a telehealth enabled nebulizer system (Prodose Adaptive Aerosol Delivery [AAD] System), which enabled the doorstep delivery of repeat medication.


RESULTS
The results showed that patient confidence in the device and perception of ease of use was high with no significant change between the start and end of the trial. Views on the home delivery of medication were split between 'great' and 'inconvenient.' However, if the delivery system had been more flexible and delivered all the patients' drugs, the majority of patients would have had their medication delivered in this way.


CONCLUSIONS
The trial showed that it was possible to build telehealth technology into an advanced nebulizer system, and that patient acceptance of the technology was unlikely to be a barrier to the adoption of such a telehealth system.
Nikander
Kurt
K
Philips Respironics, Respiratory Drug Delivery, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054, USA. kurt.nikander@philips.com
Denyer
John
J
Dodd
Mary
M
Dyche
Tony
T
Webb
Kevin
K
Weller
Peter
P
Stableforth
David
D
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D000336:Aerosols; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000295:instrumentation; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
D000336:Aerosols; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations