Capella FPX 4045 Assessment 3

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX4045 Nursing Informatics: Managing Health Information and Technology

Prof. Name

Date

Introduction to the Chosen Technological Innovation

Technological advances in healthcare have significantly contributed to the management of chronic respiratory illnesses, especially asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Among these innovations, digital inhalers and wearable smartwatches equipped with health sensors are emerging as powerful tools for clinical care. These devices not only track vital signs and medication use but also provide real-time feedback that supports patient engagement and informed clinical decisions (Chan et al., 2021). Inspired by patient simulations such as Lynn Tan’s scenario from Sentinel U, an exploration was initiated into how such tools influence adherence and treatment outcomes. A systematic literature review was conducted through the Capella University Library and databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and SpringerLink. The keywords used included “smartwatches,” “digital inhalers,” “COPD technology adherence,” and “remote monitoring for asthma.” The search was narrowed to recent peer-reviewed studies from the past five years, focusing on clinical applications of digital inhalers and wearable sensors in asthma and COPD treatment.

Core Assumptions

This proposal assumes that using digital technologies such as smartwatches and sensor-based inhalers results in better chronic respiratory disease management. These tools are believed to improve medication adherence, support continuous monitoring, and enhance clinical outcomes for individuals with asthma or COPD. Additionally, it is presumed that the data collected from these technologies are actionable and accessible by both healthcare professionals and patients. Another assumption is that the peer-reviewed literature retrieved is current, relevant, and applicable to real-world nursing practices.

Capella FPX 4045 Assessment 3

Annotated Bibliography Summary

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Respiratory Care

Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances the functionality of digital health tools by processing inhaler and sensor data to identify nonadherence, forecast exacerbations, and guide intervention. AI can detect patterns that may not be visible to human providers and develop personalized care strategies. For example, it can alert providers when a patient misses doses or experiences reduced inhaler use, prompting timely action. According to Feng et al. (2021), combining AI with digital inhalers allows for more responsive care, streamlined workflows, and better patient outcomes. Nurses benefit from automated insights that improve decision-making and ensure continuous quality management in chronic disease care.

Synthesis and Recommendations

The reviewed literature supports the integration of digital inhalers, wearable devices, and AI tools in managing asthma and COPD. Collectively, these innovations enhance medication adherence, enable early detection of exacerbations, and facilitate data-driven, individualized care. Successful implementation depends on factors such as leadership support, access to funding and infrastructure, and an organizational culture that embraces innovation. Training healthcare providers and aligning policies with telehealth and digital health frameworks are also essential. Aung et al. (2024) and Chan et al. (2021) showed the benefits of digital inhalers on adherence and reduced exacerbations. Cokorudy et al. (2024) confirmed the usefulness of digital biomarkers, while Erbay et al. (2025) demonstrated the clinical potential of smartwatches. Feng et al. (2021) highlighted how AI amplifies the benefits of digital devices by transforming data into predictive insights. These findings emphasize that adopting digital respiratory tools not only enhances patient care and outcomes but also improves interprofessional collaboration and may reduce staff burden and burnout.

References

Aung, H., Tan, R., Flynn, C., Wright, A., Murphy, A., Shaw, D., Ward, T. J. C., & Greening, N. J. (2024). Digital remote maintenance inhaler adherence interventions in COPD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Respiratory Review, 33(174). https://doi.org/10.1183/16000617.0136-2024

Chan, A. H. Y., Pleasants, R. A., Dhand, R., Tilley, S. L., Schworer, S. A., Costello, R. W., & Merchant, R. (2021). Digital inhalers for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A scientific perspective. Pulmonary Therapy, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41030-021-00167-4

Cokorudy, B., Harrison, J., & Hai, A. (2024). Digital markers of asthma exacerbations – A systematic review. European Respiratory Journal Open Research, 10(6). https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00014-2024

Capella FPX 4045 Assessment 3

Erbay, Ü. T., Parspur, Ş., Arikan, İ., Yılmaz, Z. Y., Koçak, H., Marim, F., Kaya, İ., & Doğan, M. (2025). Are smart watches really smart? Comparison of blood oxygen saturation values measured by smart watch, pulse oximetry and arterial blood gases in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. International Journal of COPD, 20, 1457–1463. https://doi.org/10.2147/copd.s500643

Feng, Y., Wang, Y., Zeng, C., & Mao, H. (2021). Artificial intelligence and machine learning in chronic airway diseases: Focus on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 18(13), 2871–2889. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijms.58191