MySpira: Asthma Training App

Supplementing existing asthma care educational materials, MySpira introduces likable characters and tactile interactions, to engage children living with asthma. Throughout the enjoyable 20 minute experience, the child is taught about asthma keywords, triggers, different types of inhalers, how to prepare the inhaler and spacer, and how to inhale the medicine correctly.

The app takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and does not require support from a healthcare professional (HCP) and is accessible via a mobile  device.

In a recent study[i] of 96 children aged 6 – 13, a steady increase of information recall was observed with the MySpira app, over traditional asthma / inhaler education methods, such as leaflets and videos. Specifically, MySpira demonstrated an overall score that was 26% better than videos and 70% better than leaflets.

It is supported by healthcare experts, including Dr. Simon Rudland and asthma nurse, Karyn McBride.

Karyy McBride, asthma nurse and medical advisor to MySpira comments, “A good inhaler technique significantly cuts the risk of having an asthma attack – if your technique isn’t correct, you might not be getting the full dose of medicine prescribed. Common mistakes I see include inadequate shaking of canister before inhalation, inhaling too fast or too slowly and not using it at the right angle. I’ve even seen somebody leave the cap on! There is a real need for better – and modernised – education, so patients, including children, can take control of their asthma.”

Dr. Simon Rudland, Partner at Stowhealth and medical advisor to MySpira comments, “Asthma can be a life-threatening condition but managing it properly can help keep sufferers symptom free. It is important that children are taught from a young age so they can take control of their asthma. The initial results of this research are extremely promising, improving both technique and compliance. Not only does this lead to better health long-term, but if adopted nationwide, could dramatically reduce the number of emergency cases, resulting in fewer hospitalisations. We are looking at integrating this app into our existing asthma support services in the future.”

[i] University of Suffolk study abstract details – 96 children aged 6-13, led by Dr Suha Al-Naimi, May 2019. Statistics are quoted allowing for standard error. Full study due to be published in September 2019.