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Adolescent Asthma Self‐Management: Patient and Parent‐Caregiver Perspectives on Using Social Media to Improve Care
Author(s) -
Panzera Anthony D.,
Schneider Tali K.,
Martinasek Mary P.,
Lindenberger James H.,
Couluris Marisa,
Bryant Carol A.,
McDermott Robert J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12111
Subject(s) - asthma , self management , social media , leverage (statistics) , asthma management , medicine , psychology , multimedia , computer science , world wide web , machine learning
BACKGROUND Self‐management of asthma can now leverage new media technologies. To optimize implementation they must employ a consumer‐oriented developmental approach. This study explored benefits of and barriers to improved asthma self‐management and identified key elements for the development of a digital media tool to enhance asthma control. METHODS Between August 2010 and January 2011, 18 teens with asthma and 18 parent‐caregivers participated in semistructured in‐depth interviews to identify mechanisms for improving asthma self‐management and propose characteristics for developing a digital media tool to aid such efforts. RESULTS Teens and caregivers enumerated physician‐recommended strategies for asthma management as well as currently employed strategies. Both groups thought of a potential digital media solution as positive, but indicated specific design requirements for such a solution to have utility. Whereas most participants perceived mobile platforms to be viable modes to improve asthma self‐management, interest in having social networking capabilities was mixed. CONCLUSIONS A digital media product capable of tracking conditions, triggers, and related asthma activities can be a core element of improved asthma control for youth. Improved asthma control will help decrease school absenteeism.