Opinions of patients with persistent asthma regarding the use of mobile applications for disease monitoring
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Authors Information
1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
2Service of Immunoallergology, Hospital Pêro da Covilhã, Cova da Beira Hospital Center, Covilhã, Portugal
3Clinical Academic Center of Beiras, Covilhã, Portugal
4Service of Pneumology, Hospital Pêro da Covilhã, Cova da Beira Hospital Center, Covilhã, Portugal
5Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
6Department of Community Medicine Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
7BloomIdea, Braga, Portugal
8Allergy Unit, Institute and Hospital of Porto CUF, Porto, Portugal
9Medicine, Education, Research, Development and Evaluation (MEDIDA), Porto, Portugal
History
Published online: 13 November 2020
Accepted: 26 October 2020
Received: 10 July 2020
SUMMARY
Background. We assessed adherence to treatment and management needs of adults with persistent asthma and their interest in using apps for asthma management. Secondarily, we explored patients’ opinions about an app to assess and improve adherence to treatment. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 adults with persistent asthma (49.9 ± 15.8 years) recruited at outpatient clinics from a district hospital. Participants answered a survey on sociodemographic, asthma control, treatment adherence and use of mobile devices, social networks and apps. Four patients participated in a prospective extension of the study, in which they were invited to use the InspirerMundi app. Results. 48% ofthe participants had at least ≥ 1 exacerbation in the previous year and 85% had uncontrolled asthma. Self-reported adherence to treatment showed that one in four participants had low adherence. At least daily, 55% of participants navigatedon the internet with their smartphone/tablet, 35% used apps and 93% social networks. Nine (22%) participants had previously used health/fitness apps and 65% would like to use apps to improve inhaler adherence. Conclusions. Most participants had uncontrolled asthma, reported high adherence to treatment and were daily users of social networks and the internet. Only 1/4 used apps but 2/3would like to use apps to support asthma management.
