Mobile-based asthma action plans for adolescents.

PURPOSE: To examine feasibility and utilization of a mobile asthma action plan (AAP) among adolescents. METHODS: Adolescents (aged 12-17 years) with persistent asthma had their personalized AAP downloaded to a smartphone application. Teens were prompted by the mobile application to record either daily symptoms or peak flow measurements and to record medications. Once data were entered, the application provided immediate feedback based on the teen's AAP instructions. Asthma Control Test (ACT(®)) and child asthma self-efficacy scores were examined pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Adolescents utilized the mobile AAP a median 4.3 days/week. Participant satisfaction was high with 93% stating that they were better able to control asthma by utilizing the mobile AAP. For participants with uncontrolled asthma at baseline, median (interquartile range) ACT scores improved significantly from 16 (5) to 18 (8) [p = 0.03]. Median asthma attack prevention self-efficacy scores improved from 34 (3.5) to 36 (5.3) [p = 0.04]. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that personalized mobile-based AAPs are a feasible method to communicate AAP instructions to teens.

Challenges of implementation of a web-camera system in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Over the past ten years, web-cameras often have been used in the NICU to support parents and connect families with their hospitalized neonate. This article describes the history of images and video use in the NICU to aid in linking parents and then focuses on the challenges and lessons learned through redesign, installation, and management of a new web-camera system. Technology can support NICU families, and when implemented with input from nurses and families, the process can be a positive experience.