Home monitoring for patients on biologic asthma therapies – are patients up for it?

Abstract

Background: Home administration of biologic therapies for severe asthma (SA) has increased significantly in recent years. Whilst this change has been reported to offer benefits for both clinicians and patients, it has affected the ability for clinicians to monitor treatment response.

Aim: This study aimed to assess patients’ attitudes towards a mobile-based remote monitoring (RM) solution.

Methods: A semi-quantitative survey was used to capture patients’ willingness and ability to use RM solutions, as well as preferences around functionality. The survey was shared with 50 biologics patients, across 5 SA centres in England between Oct and Nov 2021.

Results: 49/50 patients completed the survey. 46 patients (94%) reported having access to a smart phone with 30 (61%) already using mobile health apps.

47 patients (96%) agreed that RM solutions would be helpful and also that they would be willing to be monitored in this way. 49 patients (100%) agreed that they would be happy for data to be shared with their clinician and the national SA registry. 37 patients (76%) thought that access to an RM solution would make them more likely to self-administer biologics.

Patients reported that they would like a future RM solution to include: a calendar for injection dates and doses (65% of patients); hospital appointment reminders (78%); medication lists (71%); self-management plans (65%) and a diary to record exacerbations (82%).

Conclusion: Most patients in this study would be able and willing to use a digital solution to help support RM of asthma control and biologic response. Clinical pathways should consider using digital solutions as an option to provide RM of patients on home-care therapies.