Electronic medication monitoring versus self-reported use of inhaled corticosteroids and short-acting beta2-agonists in uncontrolled asthma

Objective Current standard of care, patient self-report and clinician estimation, overestimates true inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) adherence. We compare self-reported inhaled ICS and short-acting beta 2-agonists (SABA) use with objective data from electronic medication monitors (EMMs). Methods Adults with uncontrolled asthma and prescribed ICS and SABA were enrolled. At visit one, participants' ICS and SABA inhalers were fitted with EMMs to track real-time medication usage over 14 days. Participants were asked to complete paper diaries to self-report medication usage over the same period. Participant self-report of ICS adherence and SABA use versus objective ICS adherence and SABA use was compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results One hundred participants (80% female, mean age 48.5 years, 60% completed college, 80% privately insured) had complete data. Participant self-report (median (IQR): 0.8 (0.0, 2.0)) was greater than objectively measured (median (IQR): 0.43 (0.1, 2.1)) SABA use, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.64). Participant self-report (median (IQR): 97 (67, 100)) was significantly greater than objectively measured (median (IQR): 75 (54, 93)) ICS adherence (P = 0.002). Conclusions Significant discrepancies between self-report and objective ICS usage were observed. EMM can provide clinicians with accurate data on ICS medication taking behavior, thus reducing medication regimen complexity, side effects, and costs.

Automated summary

This study found that patients tend to overestimate adherence to inhaled corticosteroids based on self-report, with significant discrepancies between self-report and objective data. Electronic medication monitors can provide clinicians with accurate information on medication adherence, leading to better management of asthma treatment.