Digitized Respiratory Delivery Devices: Risk of Hacking Personal Data

Respiratory delivery devices are the core maintenance device for delivery of respiratory medications for patient with respiratory disease including asthma and COPD. As pharmacists we routinely educate patients and health care personnel on the proper use and maintenance of these devices. In addition to “one-on-one” education to patients, a lot of patients also use the internet to review educational videos on proper use of these devices.

Recently, a new type of respiratory delivery device from Teva Pharmaceutical includes digitized technology integrated with a metered dose inhaler will be available. The ProAir® Digihaler ^TM (albuteral 117 mcg) inhalation powder had just received FDA approval for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm for patients aged four years or older with reversible obstructive airway disease. ¹ Data from the inhaler is transmitted via Bluetooth® wireless technology enabling patients to review their data, and if they choose to, other healthcare providers. The device can track usage along with patient inspiratory flow each time the device is activated. This drugs approval is secondary to a previous device created by a digital health company Adheriums Smartinhaler ^TM which sensor is used with AstraZeneca Symbicort ® inhaler which provides similar data to be shared with healthcare providers. ¹

Since these devices offer a new unique and technology advance in monitoring patient’s compliance I assume as the technology becomes more advanced more data will be available. One major issue that has not been addressed about promoting these products is the potential of “hacking” personal information.  In addition to personal health care data hacking, the data that may be collected from these devices may be forwarded to insurance companies. These companies can use this data to monitor compliance which may lead to penalizing patients if non-compliant occurs. The result is potentially raising drug prices, limiting co-payments or refusing drug coverage altogether. Although as pharmacists we promote technology, this may lead to a “slippery slope” of patient personal data sharing which may have negative consequences to patients who require the greatest support.

Michael J. Cawley, PharmD, RRT, CPFT, FCCM, is a professor of clinical pharmacy at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences. He has more than 25 years of experience practicing in the areas of medical, surgical, trauma, and burn intensive care as both a critical care clinical pharmacist and registered respiratory therapist.

Reference

1.     GEN. Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News. TEVA wins FDA approval for digital inhaler combining powder with sensors, APP. https://www.genengnews.com/news/teva-wins-fda-approval-for-digital-inhaler-combining-powder-with-sensors-app/. Accessed January 21, 2019.