Examining barriers and facilitators in asthma inhaler technique education and technology-enhanced educational tools in children: A mixed methods evaluation using the theoretical domains framework.

Introduction: Educational interventions for asthma inhaler technique have been identified as successful in improving technique in children, yet inhaler technique has not improved over time. New approaches should be considered, including the use of technology-based interventions such as smartphone and tablet applications. Adoption and implementation of such technology in healthcare has been historically slow.

Co-design of an Augmented Reality Asthma Inhaler Educational Intervention for Children: Development and Usability Study.

Background: Smartphone and tablet apps that deliver health care education have been identified as effective in improving patient knowledge and treatment adherence in asthma populations. Despite asthma being the most common chronic disease in pediatrics, there are few apps that are targeted specifically for children. Only half of children with asthma have acceptable control of their symptoms, and 40%-98% do not use their inhalers correctly.

The Acceptability of Using Augmented Reality as a Mechanism to Engage Children in Asthma Inhaler Technique Training: Qualitative Interview Study With Deductive Thematic Analysis.

Background: Inhaled medications or inhalers provide first-line pharmacotherapeutic treatment for patients with asthma for both acute symptomatic relief and long-term management to keep symptoms under control. A good technique requires only basic instruction and training; however, a recent study identified that 92% of children do not follow all correct steps when using inhalers. There is a growing interest in technology-enhanced asthma education, with evidence demonstrating improvements in knowledge and treatment adherence.