Propeller Health Launches Inhaler Technique Coaching via Helpouts by Google

SAN DIEGO, May 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- American Thoracic Society International Conference (ATS 2014) -- Propeller Health, the FDA-cleared digital health solution for chronic respiratory disease, today announced the company will offer inhaler technique coaching via Helpouts by Google.

People with asthma, COPD, or other chronic respiratory disease, and their family caregivers, can get personalized inhaler technique coaching and answers to their specific questions from a trained Propeller Health pharmacist. Guidance is provided through a private, HIPAA-compliant, one-on-one video call from the patient's computer, tablet or smartphone, regardless of geography or time zone.

"As a physician, I see firsthand the challenges that patients face in learning how to correctly use inhaled medications. Children often struggle to coordinate inhalation with actuation of the inhaler, while others forget to inhale as deeply and forcefully as the medications require. Poor inhaler technique can have a major impact on their ability to manage their chronic respiratory disease," said Dr. Fernando Holguin, Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, and Assistant Director of the Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine. "I'm excited to see Propeller tackling this problem in a way that can bring convenient and effective technique training to more patients."

Clinical studies show as many as two-thirds of patients do not correctly perform the required steps to ensure that inhaled medications are properly delivered. Improper technique contributes to poor control of the disease, side effects, patient perception of inefficacy, as well as increased hospital visits and higher costs of treatment. International guidelines stress periodic review, and guidance by pharmacists and health educators has been shown to measurably improve technique and adherence.

"We've built the largest database of information on the real-time use of inhalers, and recognize the fundamental importance of monitoring and encouraging appropriate technique. Coaching via Helpouts allows us to observe medication use in daily context, and to provide personalized review and training to ensure that people are achieving maximum benefit," said David Van Sickle, CEO of Propeller Health. "This approach represents one more way Propeller will apply technology to help people more efficiently and effectively manage these diseases, and support the clinical community in ways that make a measurable difference in the lives of their patients."

Propeller is a digital therapeutic designed to reduce the frequency of asthma and COPD symptoms, preventable emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and readmissions. With a novel combination of sensors, mobile apps, and analytics, the system can predict exacerbations to facilitate early­ intervention and encourage adherence to maintenance therapy through personalized feedback and coaching.

For the remainder of May, which is Asthma Awareness Month, the company will provide free 15-minute inhaler technique assessments to anyone using an inhaled medication.

To schedule an inhaler technique check with Propeller Health, visit helpouts.google.com/q/propeller or propellerhealth.com/support.

About Propeller Health
Propeller is the leading digital health platform for asthma and COPD. Through sensors, mobile apps, analytics and services, Propeller Health helps reduce the cost of care while delivering better quality of life for individuals with chronic respiratory disease. Backed by The Social+Capital Partnership, California HealthCare Foundation and other investors, Propeller Health is now working with organizations like Dignity Health, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Amerigroup Florida and the City of Louisville. Company recognition includes TEDMED Innovation Showcase, White House Champion of Change and Bluetooth Breakthrough Product awards. The system has been featured in The Economist, Washington Post, Fast Company, Wired and Scientific American.

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SOURCE Propeller Health