CapMedic® (Cognita Labs, California, USA)
CapMedic is an EMD which uses animation with lights and sounds to guide
the user through correct inhaler use, recording the seven steps of
inhalation, including the mean inspiratory flowrate (L/Min). It fits
onto most pMDI’s and provides prompts based on the user’s actions; for
example to guide the user to shake their inhaler correctly. It also
detects the user’s breathing and nudges the patient with audio-visual
cues to press the inhaler while breathing in, followed by reminders to
encourage a long inhalation. LED lights then provide the user with
immediate feedback on how well the inhaler was used. As with many of the
new EMDs, data is synced to an application providing data on both use
and critical errors. The CapMedic can also provide lung function
measurements including peak inspiratory flow and spirometry. It is
currently only available for use with pMDIs(45).
In a small study of 23 patients with asthma and COPD, the CapMedic EMD
identified that 100% of patients made at least one error and 74% made
at least 3 errors in using a pMDI (46). The CapMedic tool was was
considered to be more sensitive in identifying and quantifying these
errors than observation alone. Another small study of 16 patients showed
improved inhaler technique for patients using CapMedic, compared to
patients who were shown an inhaler technique video only(47).