App-based tool to teach and train correct inhaler technique
Official title: APP-based Medical Device for Education and Training of Inhalation Technique
Run by Karolinska Institutet · NCT07145632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether an app helps people aged 16 and older with asthma or COPD use their inhalers correctly over a 6–12 week period compared with standard education.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Uppsala, Uppsala County and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07145632 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people aged 16 or older with a physician diagnosis of asthma or COPD who use a DPI and/or MDI daily, own a smartphone, and can provide electronic consent (e.g., via BankID).
✕Probably not a fit
People without a compatible smartphone or electronic ID, those unable to independently use inhaler devices, or those planning to stop inhaler treatment in the next 6–12 weeks are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, single-blinded, two-arm trial assigns adults with doctor-diagnosed asthma or COPD who use metered dose or dry powder inhalers to either standard inhaler education or an app-based education and training program, with 1:1 allocation and stratification by inhaler type. The primary outcome is the rate of successful inhalation technique at a 6–12 week follow-up visit. Secondary outcomes include feasibility, usability, and safety of the app during the study period. Participants must be able to provide electronic consent and use a smartphone to run the app.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could increase correct inhaler use, improving medication delivery to the lungs and potentially reducing symptoms and exacerbations.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small trials and pilot projects of digital or app-based inhaler training have shown promise in improving technique and adherence, but large definitive trials remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects at age \>16 years * Willing to voluntarily participate in the study and give electronic written informed consent * Prescribed with daily inhalation therapy through DPI and/or MDI for doctor's diagnosed asthma or COPD. Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<16 years, * No access to smartphone of type Android or iPhone * No access to electronic signature for informed consent * Plan to withdraw inhaler treatment including daily DPI and/or MDI the following 6-12 weeks. * Medical condition affecting the ability to independently inhale or use DPI or MDI device(s).
Where it's running
-
Uppsala University Hospital, Lung and Allergy Department
Uppsala, Uppsala County, Sweden Recruiting -
Healthcare centre
Styrsö, Västra Götaland County, Sweden Recruiting -
Healthcare Centre
Boxholm, Östergötland County, Sweden Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.