#USA #Fairfax #Allergy Asthma Network #BREATHE #Blue Marble Health

Revolutionizing Asthma Management

In a significant stride toward improving asthma care, the Allergy & Asthma Network and Blue Marble Health have unveiled their innovative digital platform known as BREATHE — which stands for BRinging Exercise, Asthma Assessments, and TeacHing to Everyone. This new initiative aims to address the critical lack of asthma self-management education among adults, particularly in underserved communities. Recent research showcasing this platform's usability has been published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Practice, emphasizing its potential impact on enhancing health outcomes.

The Need for Innovative Solutions

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects millions, yet a substantial number of patients do not receive adequate self-management education. This gap in care perpetuates health disparities, especially among individuals from under-resourced communities. Recognizing this, Allergy & Asthma Network and Blue Marble Health embarked on a rigorous research initiative to develop and assess the BREATHE platform, designed specifically considering the needs of adults with asthma and healthcare providers.

Development Process

The research was conducted in two primary phases:

1. Phase 1 involved comprehensive surveys and in-depth interviews, capturing the experiences and needs of both adults with asthma and healthcare professionals (HCPs). This foundational data informed the design of the platform, ensuring it was user-centered.
2. Phase 2 encompassed a two-week feasibility pilot program that evaluated the usability of the BREATHE platform among adults experiencing health disparities, alongside HCPs.

Features of the BREATHE Platform

The BREATHE platform integrates a wealth of resources aimed at enhancing asthma self-management, including:

• - Interactive Lessons: Users engage with educational content that incorporates diverse and inclusive imagery, facilitating a more relatable learning experience.
• - Exercise Tracking: The platform promotes physical activity by allowing users to track their exercise routines, an essential component in managing asthma effectively.
• - Asthma Control Surveys: Regular check-ins help users assess their asthma control levels, fostering proactive management.
• - Personalized Asthma Action Plans: Tailored action plans provide users with clear guidance on managing their condition effectively.
• - Bilingual Support: With Spanish-language translation and bilingual voice-over narration, the platform ensures accessibility for non-English speakers.
• - Clinician Dashboard: Healthcare professionals benefit from a comprehensive dashboard that enables real-time data visualization and remote monitoring of their patients’ progress.

Positive Outcomes

The pilot study yielded impressive results,

• - Usability ratings placed adult users in the 81st percentile, while healthcare providers rated the dashboard in the 76th percentile, indicating exceptional satisfaction and usability.
• - The Net Promoter Scores reflected a strong user endorsement, with adults scoring 8.6 out of 10 and healthcare providers scoring 7.7 out of 10 for overall satisfaction.
• - All the feasibility and usability benchmarks were successfully met, paving the way for broader implementation of the platform across various healthcare settings.

Commitment to Health Equity

"This research highlights our dedication to patient-centered innovation and promoting access to essential asthma education," remarked Dr. De De Gardner, Chief Research Officer at Allergy & Asthma Network. The BREATHE platform aligns with the organization's mission to empower patients and support clinicians, addressing long-standing health inequities.

Additionally, the BREATHE platform is currently implemented in the Allergy & Asthma Network's free Virtual Asthma Coaching Program, providing personalized guidance to those navigating asthma management.

Sheryl Flynn, CEO of Blue Marble Health, echoed this sentiment, indicating that the feedback received validates the importance of designing technology with, rather than just for, patients and clinicians. This approach fosters platforms that genuinely resonate with users, crucial for achieving meaningful health outcomes.

Future Directions

Supported by an NIH NHLBI SBIR award, the research sets the stage for planned clinical trials. These trials aim to rigorously evaluate the real-world health outcomes produced by this user-centered design, particularly for individuals living in historically underserved communities.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Allergy & Asthma Network and Blue Marble Health exemplifies a proactive response to the challenges of asthma management. By harnessing digital health innovations, they are not only empowering patients but also striving to close the gap in healthcare disparities, ultimately working toward better health outcomes for all patients with asthma.