Asthma app cuts GP and A&E visits in Wales
The app helps people in Wales manage the condition
An NHS Wales app to support people with asthma has reduced pressures on GP's and A&E services across Wales.
The self management app currently has more than 20,000 users and figures show it has reduced their unplanned GP visits by over a third and A&E visits by 19%.
With current extreme pressures on our health services, leading lung charity Asthma + Lung UK Cymru is encouraging anyone with asthma or COPD to download the NHS Wales health hub apps saying it provides a digital bridge between patients and the NHS.
There is also an asthma for parents app designed to help children with asthma.
Alice Spencer, who has asthma from Cardiff says, “The app empowers people with asthma and COPD to manage their condition at the touch of their fingertips.”
“I use the app every month to monitor my symptoms and peak flow. I wasn’t aware you could request a peak flow meter from your GP.
"I now have one and use it to monitor my breathing every month and when I have a cold. The app has also meant I am more aware of my triggers so that I stay well and avoid an asthma attack.
“Before using the app, I wasn’t aware that if I’m using my reliever inhaler three times a week or more it could mean that my asthma is not well controlled and that I could be at risk of an asthma attack.
"I am now more confident in managing my condition at home and only contact my GP if I am concerned about my symptoms. I feel the app is very useful and empowers people with asthma to manage their own condition more effectively on a day-to-day.
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Cymru said: “Right now, people who have lung conditions are extremely concerned about the uncertainty of access to healthcare.
"Living with any chronic illness adds a certain amount of stress to your life and these digital tools can help mitigate that and provide comfort for those living with COPD and Asthma in Wales.
“Technology offers much promise, but we are still at the early stages.
"More needs to be done to help ensure that people with lung conditions like asthma and COPD can benefit from a new connected way of self-managing their condition. "