ASTHMAXcel perception: a mobile health application for training in the perception of airflow limitation.

Objective: ASTHMAXcel Perception is an expansion of prior ASTHMAXcel mobile health applications for children with asthma. ASTHMAXcel Perception was evaluated for its ability to improve asthma control and perception of airflow limitation.

Methods: Patients with asthma ages 15-21 were randomized to receive ASTHMAXcel Perception with peak expiratory flow (PEF) feedback or usual care (UC). A baseline visit was followed by 3 intervention sessions across 6 wk in the intervention group. Assessments in both groups were designed to occur at baseline, 6-week (primary time point), and 3-month follow-up. Self-reported asthma control (primary outcome), asthma quality of life, asthma knowledge, medication adherence, healthcare utilization, app usage, and perception of airflow limitation (measured by comparing self-reported PEF guess to actual PEF) were assessed.

Results: 45 patients were enrolled (PEF n = 22, UC n = 23). At 6 wk, the PEF group reported better asthma control than the UC group (18.7 vs 16.7, p < .05). In the PEF group, accurate perception increased from baseline to 6 wk (48% vs 77%, p = 0.01) and from baseline to 3 months (48% vs 74%, p = 0.009). Over-perception decreased from baseline to 6 wk (26% vs 5%, p = 0.041). The number of logins was associated with greater accuracy in perception of airflow limitation from baseline to 2 wk (r = 0.91, p = 0.002) and 2 wk to 4 wk (r = 0.77, p < .05). No significant differences were found in asthma quality of life, asthma knowledge, medication adherence, or healthcare utilization between the two groups.

Conclusion: ASTHMAXcel Perception improved asthma control and was associated with greater accuracy in perception of airflow limitation.