Boehringer Ingelhiem has launched a gamified support programme to help people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) manage their disease.
The company says the free, online programme, for which it has partnered with HealthPrize, is a first for pharma as it seeks to offer follow-up services for patients prescribed its Spiriva Respimat treatment.
The RespiPoints programme encourages patients to meet treatment goals by reporting on taking medication, verifying their monthly refills and reading educational materials on COPD.
Points can be earned by completing each of these tasks – as well as taking part in quizzes and surveys on the site – which are redeemable as e-gift cards.
Boehringer Ingelheim hopes the programme will improve the currently poor adherence to treatment plans that is common among people with COPD, often resulting in increased adverse symptoms, healthcare costs and hospitalisation.
Ruchin Kansal, business innovation lead at Boehringer, said that the company is “proud to continue our unwavering commitment to the COPD community with new technology and support services that can help improve patient outcomes”.
“The RespiPoints programme is the latest in a series of efforts to empower people living with COPD to better manage their health with tools that are engaging and educational,” he added.
Boehringer Ingelheim recently signed a digital health deal with Propeller Health to help track how patients use inhaled medications.
The digital platform will utilise apps, analytics, educational materials and feedback to gather data on adherence rates and so gain a greater understanding of patient engagement with COPD treatment.
