Randomized, controlled study of the impact of a mobile health tool on asthma SABA use, control and adherence

Abstract

Background Mobile health technology has demonstrated impacts on improving asthma outcomes, but few studies have evaluated outcomes in a controlled study in a real-world clinical setting. Aims and Objectives We aimed to determine whether a sensor-enabled, clinically-integrated mobile health asthma quality improvement program could reduce the frequency of short-acting beta agonist (SABA) use, and increase asthma-free days, asthma control and controller medication adherence. Methods Adult patients with asthma and a SABA prescription were enrolled (n=125). Participants randomized to the intervention group (IG) (n=67) received electronic inhaler sensors to track their medication use, and access to smartphone and online applications that provided visualizations of their data, reminders to promote adherence, and personalized, guidelines-based education. Clinical care managers viewed IG patients9 data in an online dashboard to guide care. Participants in the control group (CG) (n=58) received sensors, but neither the patient nor the care manager received access to their data. Mixed effects regression models with random intercepts were used to compare outcomes between groups at 6 months. Results The IG demonstrated significant improvements compared to the CG on all clinical outcomes, including controller medication adherence, daily SABA use, asthma-free days, and asthma control (all p Conclusions This mobile health program, with sensor-enabled data collection and patient and provider access to the data, improved asthma outcomes, including asthma SABA use, control, and adherence in a real-world clinical setting.