Electronic monitoring intervention to promote adherence among youth with asthma

What is it about?

This commentary reviewed a multi-site randomized-controlled trial assessing feasibility of a self-monitoring and feedback intervention in pediatric asthma. The study included sensor-based inhaler monitoring and real-time feedback and education geared towards improving asthma management. Findings from this study suggest sensor-based electronic monitoring among children with asthma can be utilized for symptom control and to improve caregiver quality of life. Interestingly, children in the intervention group had increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Strengths of this study were highlighted including utilizing a diverse sample of children and inclusion of physician monitoring and feedback in addition to self-monitoring. The authors highlighted the need to objectively measure changes in adherence associated with sensor-based electronic monitoring.

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Photo by Jhon David on Unsplash

Photo by Jhon David on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Suboptimal adherence in pediatric asthma is common and leads to poor symptom control and increased disease burden. Unsurprisingly, adherence to daily treatment regimens is associated with vast improvements in asthma control. Advancements in technology provide an additional avenue to target adherence efforts. Specifically, self-monitoring tools that provide feedback to families and physicians have demonstrated better symptom control and improvements in quality of life for caregivers. The study discussed in this commentary demonstrates feasibility of use of self-monitoring technology in pediatric asthma and highlights the need for additional investigation into self-monitoring of adherence in pediatric asthma.