Virtual Booth

Abstract

Asthma affects over 350 million individuals worldwide, with inhalers serving as the cornerstone of treatment. However, incorrect inhaler technique remains a major barrier to effective disease control, leading to suboptimal drug delivery, poor clinical outcomes, and increased healthcare utilization. Conventional patient education methods such as verbal counselling and printed leaflets are often insufficient in developing the psychomotor skills and long-term retention required for correct inhaler use, particularly in high-demand healthcare settings with limited consultation time.

To address this, VR-Inhale is an innovative Virtual Reality (VR)-based teaching and learning solution designed to address these challenges. Grounded in Multimedia Learning Theory, the system delivers immersive, interactive training that enhances patient engagement and skill acquisition. VR-Inhale comprises two core modes,  “Learning Mode”, which provides step-by-step visual and audio guidance to demonstrate correct inhaler technique and next the “Assessment Mode”, where patients independently perform the technique and receive real-time feedback through a structured digital checklist.

This dual-mode approach enables patients to not only understand but also practice and master inhaler use in a safe, controlled environment. The solution has the potential to significantly improve inhaler technique accuracy, enhance patient confidence as well as reduce the burden on healthcare providers. Furthermore, by improving asthma control, VR-Inhale may contribute to reduced emergency visits and overall healthcare costs.

Designed as a scalable web-based platform, VR-Inhale can be implemented across hospitals, community pharmacies and educational institutions. Ultimately, VR-Inhale bridges the gap between prescription and proper usage, empowering asthma patients with a critical life-saving skill.