A new case study considers the environmental impacts of poor control and improved control of paediatric asthma by use of intelligent digitally-connected Dry Powdered Inhalers (DPI)
The use of digital technology in asthma treatment is relatively new and is still evolving. It promises to revolutionise the management of the disease. The Sustainable Healthcare Coalition has worked with member company AstraZeneca to produce a study that demonstrates that good asthma treatments, effectively delivered and adhered to, result in reduced environmental impacts.
The most impactful effect on the environment from children controlling asthma with a Smartinhaler™ device was found to be through reduced reliever use and reduced hospital admissions. We found a reduction of overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of around 50% from improved adherence when using a DPI Smartinhaler™ device when compared with a patient with poorly controlled asthma. Waste production and water consumption were estimated to be similarly reduced by Smartinhaler ™ device use, by around 60% and 32% respectively.