ABOUT DIGIPREDICT
Using digital technology to detect changes in asthma control
About DIGIPREDICT
Asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions in Aotearoa, New Zealand, affecting 1 in 7 children and 1 in 8 adults. Of these people with asthma, 1 in 4 experience an asthma attack each year. The rates of asthma attacks in NZ are increasing but there is still limited data as to why this is the case. Asthma attacks are highly preventable if detected early and this study aims to use technology to detect these attacks.
What is DIGIPREDICT?
The aim of the DIGIPREDICT study is to use smart technologies to better predict asthma attacks by collecting real-time data associated with asthma exacerbation risks and develop an AI model to better predict asthma exacerbation risk.
Who is eligible?
The DIGIPREDICT study aims to recruit 300 people, 12 years and above, with a previous asthma attack in the last 12 months. We are aiming to recruit at least 15% Maori and 10% Pacific participants for this study.
Each participant will receive the following smart technology to use regularly over 6 months:
- smart watch
- smart inhalers
- cough monitor
- designated app to help manage your daily tasks
Where?
Are you from the Auckland or Waikato region?
Recruitment will be open to potential participants from the Auckland and Waikato region. In Auckland, the study sites will be at the University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences clinic, located at Grafton in Central . In Waikato, the study site will be at Waikato hospital where you will see one of the research nurses. Asthma New Zealand nurses from the Auckland regions will also make community referrals.
When?
Screening for recruitment opens in August 2023 and continues for a period until which the target number of 300 participants are recruited.
About
We are dedicated to improving the health of people with asthma through high quality research
Asthma affects 1 in 7 children and 1 in 8 adults. Asthma attacks have increased by 33% over the last decade. Our asthma rates are among the highest in the world, particularly in Māori and Pacific, and respiratory conditions remain the third leading cause of death in NZ.
From overseas research, we know there are changes that occur physiologically and behaviourally in the days and weeks before an asthma attack occurs, but these are not easily identified. Digital technology such as smart watches and smart phones may be able to help us identify these changes to so we can detect asthma attacks before they occur.