NuvoAir’s COPD Monitoring Service Can Aid Patient Health, Life Quality
US test of at-home COPD management seen to help prevent hospitalizations
Most people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who participated in a U.S. pilot program of NuvoAir’s virtual monitoring service reported a decrease in hospitalizations and a better quality of life, the company announced.
NuvoAir’s COPD solution uses proprietary home monitoring devices, including a spirometer and an inhaler sensor, that are linked to a mobile app, allowing people with COPD to track their disease over time. The data also are analyzed by NuvoAir’s clinical team to help guide treatment decisions.
“Through our solution we capture and assess ongoing data, see signals and identify trouble spots and intervene before the patient heads to an office visit or emergency room. Our solution seamlessly supports patients through their journey with COPD. Tailored personalization of care is at the heart of our solution, all delivered at scale,” Michael Zagami, chief product officer at NuvoAir, said in a company press release.
NuvoAir’s virtual service reported to help with COPD management
The U.S. pilot program was conducted from 2021 to 2022 at two clinics, one in Indiana and one in Kentucky, that mainly serve patients in rural communities.
A total of 50 people were referred to the pilot program. Of these, 37 (74%) were enrolled and 28 (56%) were successfully brought into the study. Patients in the pilot program spent up to 316 days, and an average of 162 days, on the service.
On average, participants completed 82 blood-oxygen saturation measures every two days, 30 lung function test sessions every nine days, and 11 symptom surveys every 15 days. Overall, this indicates “strong patient engagement in the solution,” according to NuvoAir.
Of the 28 patients in the pilot program, 26 (93%) also completed a survey focused on evaluating their overall experience. Survey findings demonstrated that all respondents found the program’s text reminders and interactions with care coordinators useful. The majority (87%) also expressed feeling more confident in managing their disease with the help of NuvoAir’s service.
“One of the most compelling findings from this pilot is the dramatic improvement in patient confidence in managing COPD. Confidence coupled with ongoing, proactive clinical support can go a long way in reducing exacerbations that can lead to preventable hospitalizations and declines in health status,” Eric Harker, MD, NuvoAir’s chief medical officer, said in an emailed statement to COPD News Today.
Patients who completed the first survey were asked to complete a second survey focused on assessing a series of self-reported outcomes. Of the 26 who completed the original survey, 15 (58%) provided answers to the second survey.
Most respondents (87%) reported quality of life gains after using NuvoAir’s solution.
“We saw a significant improvement in patient reported quality of life. Helping people to live their best lives, free from the fear of exacerbations and the daily burden of breathlessness, supports our mission and reason for doing this work,” Harker said.
Moreover, 80% of respondents reported fewer COPD-related hospitalizations after enrolling in NuvoAir’s program, and 60% reported fewer exacerbations, or episodes of sudden symptom worsening. More than half of surveyed patients (53%) also reported a greater ability to engage in daily life activities.
“As demonstrated in Europe, the first NuvoAir U.S. pilot shows that complex patients with COPD can be managed effectively. Although the data is based on a small number of patients, the pilot demonstrates that NuvoAir’s virtual first clinical service can cost-effectively increase patient engagement, reduce hospitalization (based on reported outcomes), and improve patient quality of life,” the company wrote in a white paper detailing the findings of the U.S. pilot program. “NuvoAir has responded to the complex challenge of COPD management with a personal, collaborative support system focused on shaping patient behavior through small, positive steps that can make larger health goals attainable.”
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