Browser-based

The asthma webapp runs in a web-browser (see system requirements). This removes the need to download software and also means you will always have access to the latest version of the software.

Below are a series of screengrabs taken from the browser window – select any of the thumbnails to view a full-size image.

Shared use with patient during an asthma review

The webapp has resources for shared-use during a consultation. It introduces patients to the facilities available for subsequent unassisted use of the program outside the clinic. Inhaler videos are a particularly important feature in this respect. This 'shared-screen' approach addresses the issue of 'computers as a barrier' for patients, one of the main problems of using I.T. in a clinical setting.

Videos

The webapp features videos of all commonly used inhaler devices and 'spacers' in the UK. There is an option to listen to the voice-over in either English or Urdu. Additional languages will be added.

« Try the video to the left.

This facility gives patients ready access to practical information about an important aspect of their asthma care. There is evidence that patients need regular repeat instruction on inhaler technique. There is also evidence that written instructions are less effective than practical demonstrations. When their asthma control is worsening patients are prompted to revisit the video of their inhaler device.

The collection of video clips covers using inhalers, spacers and a peak flow meter. The clips are available with English and Urdu voiceovers, many are available for adults and children, all can be viewed in full screen mode.

Asthma control indicator based on key questions

Current asthma status is calculated by use of key questions and optionally, peak flow readings. Patients can recheck their control status online. A change in control level promotes appropriate treatment advice. 'Stepping up' and 'stepping down' advice is tailored to the patients current treatment and control. The parameters of changes in treatment are always under the control of the clinician and are initially set at the time of the initial face to face asthma review.

The control calculation tool is an integral part of the patient’s care plan.

The control status tool is currently being validated.

Personal Asthma Care Plan

The Personal Care Plan is a central part of the webapp and is generated during the asthma review. Following the clinic review it is then available to patients online. Patients can review their asthma control and receive treatment advice. It has many advantages over a paper-based plan:

Paper-based plans are really only valid on the day of issue
It changes dynamically according to the patient's control
Because of the design and interactivity, the advice appears clearly
It is automatically produced as part of the webapp asthma review

Pharmacy version:
The full Personal Care Plan will not be functional in the first release of the Pharmacy version. However, as chronic disease management spreads from the traditional primary care base, then this can be reviewed if there is demand.

Online access for patients

Following an initial asthma review, patients will have online access to their care plan which will incorporate key elements of the webapp:

Videos of their own inhalers (and spacers)
Video showing use of a peak flow meter
Personal Care Plan with the facility to feedback information to their clinic
As well as other educational information about their asthma treatment.

Asthma Guidelines

The current BTS/SIGN Guidelines (revised June 2009) are easily accessible within the webapp. For ease of reference they are separated into appropriate age groups: adult, child 5-12, child under 5. We are developing aided clinical decisions based on guidelines and patients current control level.

(The Asthma Guidelines are reproduced with permission of the British Thoracic Society: www.brit-thoracic.org.uk)

Topical information

Non-promotional updates from Pharmaceutical companies including product withdrawals and replacements.

Prescribing alerts based on BTS Asthma Guidelines

Prescribing outside BTS Guidelines, e.g. adding a long-acting beta agonist without an inhaled corticosteroid, triggers an alert.

Match inhaler devices with medication

Separate drop-down lists for short acting beta agonists, inhaled corticosteroids, long acting beta agonists and combinations allows easy matching of devices and medication. This reduces the risk of patients receiving different inhaler devices.

Interactive asthma clinic template

The webapp can be used to collect patient data relevant to QOF. The data collection will be expanded when integration with clinical systems is implemented.