Assessing the technical feasibility of a flexible, integrated Internet-of-things connected for asthma (C4A) system to support self-management: a mixed method study exploring patients and healthcare professionals perspectives

Io Hui, Brian McKinstry, Susannah McLean, Mark Buchner, Hilary Pinnock*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Background
A connected system with smart devices could transform patient care and empower patients control of their asthma.

Objective
To explore how a connected-for-asthma system (C4A) with smart devices from multiple companies (smart-inhaler; smart-watch; smart-peak-flow meter, manual digital thermometer during the Coronavirus disease (COVID)-pandemic) could support asthma self-management.

Methods
In a proof-of-concept mixed-methods study (Winter 2021/2022), we collected data from devices linked via the C4A app enabling patients to self-monitor and share a monitoring summary (in PDF format) with their clinician. Ten patients (range of age/gender, asthma experience, Apple/Android user) via social media, used C4A for a month. We conducted pre/post-interviews with patients, and a single post-interview with an asthma nurse and 3 general practitioners. Thematic analysis, informed by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology was triangulated with descriptive analysis of usage data.

Results
The system was perceived as “easy” to use. During the study, 7517 data points were collected from 10 patients; monitoring reduced over the month. Patients used devices if they trusted their “accuracy,” and adopted the system to monitor new medication or assess troublesome symptoms. One patient lost contact (because of COVID), 8 wanted to keep using C4A to manage their asthma, though were selective about the most useful devices. Clinicians wanted the report to provide an asthma score/status and reliever usage.

Conclusion
A connected system could enable flexible digital care by linking data from several devices to support self-management. To promote adoption/adherence, setup has to be simple, and patients need to trust that the devices accurately reflect their condition.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-13
Number of pages13
JournalJAMIA Open
Volume5
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Dec 2022

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • asthma
  • supported self-management
  • telehealth
  • Mobile app
  • Internet of Things (IoT)

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