Digital Respiratory Transformation: Insights from DAACC (Digital Peak Flow Assisted Asthma Care Clinic) (ID 626)
Bloomfield Medical Centre
Abstract
Background
Bloomfield Medical Centre in Blackpool serves ~17,000 patients in a highly deprived community, and has over 1,200 asthma patients—25% above the national average prevalence. The Digital Peak Flow Meter-Assisted Asthma Care Clinic project explored how digital peak flow meters (DPFMs), integrated with personalised asthma action plans, could support self-management and improve outcomes.
Methods
Digitally enabled patients (identified via online service use) with poor asthma control (≥3 SABA prescriptions in 6 months) were invited for reviews via Accurx. At review, suitable patients were offered a DPFM and training. A follow-up after ≥4 weeks assessed use, symptoms, and any medication changes. Patient and clinician feedback was collected post-project.
Results
• 233 patients identified; 225 invited (97%)
• 66 booked; 57 attended reviews (86%)
• 28 suitable for and accepted a DPFM; 17 attended training (61%)
• 15 attended follow-up; 9 participated in post-project interviews
• Patients cited better asthma understanding, improved symptom control, and reassurance as motivations for using the DPFM
Mean scores on a 4-point scale where 1 = not at all, 2 = a little, 3 = moderate amount and 4 = a lot showed:
• Improved understanding of asthma: 3.1
• Knowing when to use inhalers: 3.6
• Improved involvement in decision-making: 3.8
• Symptom improvement: 2.86
• 9 patients experienced minor difficulty using the device, 1/9 major; lighting and visibility were commonly cited issues. Despite this, all intended to continue using the DPFM.
Clinicians also noted challenges with device setup, app performance (including temporary Android compatibility issues), and concerns over symptom categorisation. Some patients didn’t use the device frequently enough for it to guide care.
Conclusion
The project demonstrated the feasibility of introducing DPFMs into asthma care, though uptake was modest even among digitally enabled patients. Attrition between invitation, review, and training suggests setup should occur during the initial review. Feedback indicated that DPFMs can enhance patient understanding and shared decision-making, though integration into routine pathways and digital literacy support remain critical for scale-up. Future studies should explore which patients benefit most and how to address engagement barriers to ensure equitable, effective digital self-management in asthma care.
Funding: The project was delivered by Bloomfield Medical Centre. All data was extracted by Bloomfield Medical Centre staff.
The project was supported by an educational grant from Chiesi Limited, which funded the provision of the DPFMs and connection cables. Staff from Chiesi Limited provided project support.
The project used Smart Peak Flow devices and their app and dashboard.
Conflicts of interest: Magnus Hird has received payments from Chiesi Limited and other pharmaceutical companies with a respiratory portfolio (including Astra Zeneca and GSK) for delivering educational sessions and to undertake diplomas in asthma and COPD, as well as to attend respiratory conferences in the past. He has received hospitality at educational sessions funded by pharmaceutical companies.
Dr Brown has received payments from pharmaceutical companies and funding to attend respiratory conferences in the past. He has received hospitality at educational sessions funded by pharmaceutical companies.
Michael Hughes, Anna Hughes and Ellie Rogers-Thomas have received hospitality at educational sessions funded by pharmaceutical companies.
All these individuals are partners in, or employees of, Bloomfield Medical Centre, which has also received educational grants and funding from other pharmaceutical companies, including those with respiratory portfolios, for quality improvement projects and research.
Param Bharaj and Jen Gilroy-Cheetham are employees of Chiesi Limited working in the NHS Engagement team.
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