Trialling the Hailie® smart inhaler with children and young people for asthma management in the United Kingdom: A nested qualitative evaluation

Background: Monitoring of inhaler use in high-risk children has the potential to reduce asthma attacks and asthma-related deaths. We, therefore, undertook the first UK primary care study to identify high-risk children and young people by searching primary care health records and provided the Hailie® smart inhaler to monitor their asthma medication usage. In this article, we present data from the nested qualitative study, conducted with key stakeholders. Methods: This qualitative interview-based study explored a range of topics relating to the experiences of paediatric asthma care and management, including the use of the Hailie® smart inhaler, from the perspectives of the children, their parents/carers and healthcare professionals. Interview transcripts were generated and thematically analysed. Results: Six parent-child dyads and one parent were interviewed, either online or face-to-face. Additionally, three healthcare professionals (1 Nurse, 1 Pharmacist and 1 Practice Manager) involved in paediatric asthma care and/or management were also interviewed. Two specific themes were identified: Firstly, app-based monitoring was generally viewed positively and was reassuring to parents. Children also appreciated learning about using their inhalers. Secondly, challenges with synching were identified and users had some practical suggestions for improvement. Healthcare professionals also observed that monitoring should not replace clinical support for self-management. Conclusion: Our findings support the acceptability and usefulness of the Hailie® smart inhaler amongst children with high-risk asthma, although some technical difficulties need to be addressed. Further research is needed to assess effectiveness in clinical care management.