Request Copyright Permission

myAirCoach: Asthma Management Using mHealth, Sensors, and Environmental Parameters

Honkoop PJ, Usmani OS.

RDD Europe 2019. Volume 1, 2019: 75-84.

Abstract:

Self-management is increasingly important in the management of non-communicable diseases such as asthma. Mobile technology (mHealth) is considered to be a key component, if self-management is to be made more accessible (and affordable) to a broad audience. However, several issues regarding the use of mHealth are important to acknowledge. First, even though many apps for asthma are available, few have been properly tested in a scientific setting. Second, when developing an app, it is important to involve the end users, i.e., asthma patients. Third, both inhaler technique and adherence remain important areas in respiratory disease management that still require improvement, potentially by the use of “smart inhalers.” Finally, self-management relies on the use of asthma action plans, usually with easy-to-use action points. mHealth enables the use of personalized and thus potentially more precise and predictive action points, but the ideal devices and care pathways still need to be developed. Both indoor and outdoor air quality could also have a significant influence on asthma control and should be incorporated into an mHealth-based self-management platform.

Within the myAirCoach project, several studies were conducted to assess patient and healthcare provider preferences, identify key components of predictions of loss of asthma control and asthma exacerbations, and assess the effect of an mHealth intervention in addition to usual care.