THE FUTURE OF PATIENT EXPERIENCE:

The expansion of the connected drug delivery market is set to create an improved treatment experience for patients in the coming years; some of these benefits to patients are self-evident, but others in the early stages are not yet mainstream. Simplifying the process of using these devices, along with human factors-based product design, will help to make connected drug delivery a more inclusive experience, and a more attractive treatment option for patients.

Digital Guidance And Feedback

With patient treatment taking place outside of healthcare settings more frequently, drug delivery devices must be as intuitive as possible to encourage self-administration. With digitalisation, devices can support the patient during the injection process through confirmation of drug delivery – such as confirmation of drug delivery and injection reminders. The ability of connected devices to provide guidance and feedback at each stage of drug delivery is particularly valuable, as drug formulations evolve to allow longer periods of time between injections – meaning some patients may require more guidance, but also reassurance that they are completing the injection correctly and successfully. Additionally, training devices can give specific guidance, so patients will know at what point they may require additional support from a healthcare professional (HCP).

Streamlined Data Collection With

5G

Currently, smartphone apps play a significant role in the connected device system, providing an interface for patients and HCPs to track and manage therapies. However, downloading apps can be a burden for patients who are not habitual smartphone users or have impairments restricting their use. The emergence of 5G will remove these issues, with connected devices able to send data directly to the cloud without the need for secondary applications.

Application Of Data In Healthcare Systems

Wearable devices - such as smartwatches - can collect physiological and lifestyle data on a patient, creating a unique profile for them. Integrating this information with data collected from connected drug delivery devices could build a more holistic view of the patient, their condition and related treatment. However, we are some way off from this being mainstream. Data from connected devices is currently captured and siloed rather than being combined with other sources, such as electronic health records. This is due to the complexity and processing power needed for successful data integration across multiple platforms - yet this is beginning to change. Once this data use becomes more commonplace, HCPs will be able to access real-time data and suggest personalised treatment plans, improving adherence and therefore, generating better healthcare outcomes.

A PICK & MIX OF DEVICE CONFIGURATIONS

There are now different options and configurations for medical device manufacturers to consider when designing connected drug delivery devices, between single use and reusable auto-injectors as well as integrated or addon connectivity. Evolving technology and regulations as well as increased focus on environmental impacts mean that the optimum device design is constantly changing depending on the patient group, market and therapy area. Flexibility, as well as expanding the potential patient population, may facilitate commercialisation in different geographic markets where regulations may not be the same. These considerations are driving device research and development, giving pharma companies growing choice, as well as the patients.

Encouraging Consistent Device Use

Better collection and application of patient data will streamline treatment for patients and allow for patient groups to receive more personalised care based on their individual needs. Additionally, the growing number of device configurations will allow pharma companies to choose appropriate features for the needs of different patient groups.

Read the article in full at: pharmaceuticalmanufacturer.media

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