Smart Peak Flow for monitoring asthma

The technology described in this briefing is Smart Peak Flow. It is a digital peak flow meter and asthma tracking tool designed for monitoring asthma.

The innovative aspects are the automatic recording and charting of peak expiratory flow values in the Smart Asthma app, and calculating colour coded peak flow zones that indicate a person's asthma control.

The intended place in therapy would be as an alternative to mechanical peak flow meters.

The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 5 studies including 2 comparative studies, 2 observational studies, and 1 bench test study including a total of 1,181 people. They show that Smart Peak Flow passed bench tests of accuracy. Also, more people may use Smart Peak Flow compared with mechanical peak flow meters.

Key uncertainties around the evidence or technology are that the evidence is limited and lacks detail. There were no studies evaluating the effect of the device on clinical or patient-reported outcomes, clinical decision making, or user satisfaction.

Experts advised that Smart Peak Flow could replace mechanical peak flow meters. But evidence is needed on its validation against the current gold standard in peak flow meters, asthma-related outcomes, use and adherence, and the effect on clinical decision making and resource use.

The cost of Smart Peak Flow is £9.87 per device (excluding VAT). The optional Bluetooth adapter costs £6 (excluding VAT) and the Smart Asthma app is free. Mechanical peak flow meters cost between £4.25 and £9.50 per device based on the NHS November 2021 Drug Tariff.