Digital Innovation in Asthma Management in Italy: Results From the "Confronting Asthma Survey"

The rapid digital transformation has significantly impacted healthcare, particularly through eHealth solutions that offer great potential for managing chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma. This study explores the impact, attitudes, and acceptance of digital technologies in asthma management in Italy.

A structured 34-item survey, developed in two versions for patients and physicians, was administered independently and anonymously to adult asthma patients and to specialists in pulmonology and allergology. The questionnaires collected data on demographics, professional background, digital habits (for work and leisure), use of digital tools such as apps and smart inhalers, doctor-patient digital communication, familiarity with online health resources, and perceived barriers to digital adoption. Data were collected anonymously via REDCap, with oversight from the Severe Asthma Network in Italy (SANI).

A total of 134 patients and 180 doctors participated. Findings revealed a predominantly positive attitude toward digital tools, with 85% of physicians and 74.4% of patients embracing a "digital mindset." Nevertheless, digital innovations remain underutilized in clinical practice. While 85.6% of patients reported regularly using digital tools in their daily lives, 91.5% stated that their doctors had never recommended apps or websites for asthma self-management. Digital solutions such as mobile apps, wearable spirometers, and telemedicine are recognized for their potential benefits-clinicians highlighted symptoms self-tracking (17.2%), improved adherence (22.7%), and enhanced clinical interventions (11.7%) as key advantages. However, adoption is hindered by concerns such as information technology (IT) compliance (62.5%), legal risks (11.5%), and skepticism about the reliability of remote data (40.6%). Furthermore, 59.9% of clinicians and 66.8% of patients recognized a knowledge gap regarding the potential benefits of smart inhalers and digital therapeutics in respiratory care.

The study highlights a positive attitude toward digital tools in asthma management but reveals limited adoption in clinical practice. Key barriers include IT compliance concerns and knowledge gaps. Addressing these challenges through education and regulatory support could enhance digital integration, improving asthma care.