Asthma Self Management for Children and Young People

The Digital Health Partnership Award initiative aims to support NHS organisations in England seeking funding to accelerate adoption of digital health technologies for patients with long-term conditions.

Tiny Medical Apps is collaborating with Integrated Care Systems across England to deliver the Digital Health Passport and enhance asthma self-management for children and young people. This project represents a step change in asthma self-management and remote monitoring with potential to improve outcomes for hundreds of thousands of young patients.

Project Leadership and Context

North East London CCG Digital First Team led this funding application with backing from NHS England and NHS Improvement's Children and Young People's Transformation Programme. Tiny Medical Apps serves as the technology partner, led by an NHS A&E doctor and NHS systems developer.

Childhood asthma in the UK presents significant challenges, with the country experiencing some of Europe's poorest outcomes for this demographic, including preventable deaths. North East London has prioritized children's asthma due to elevated risk factors associated with deprivation and air quality. The region earned recognition as an HSJ Paediatric Initiative award winner in 2021.

The Digital Health Passport received a 89% rating by ORCHA UK and addresses multiple NHS priorities outlined in the Long Term Plan.

Project Goals and Outcomes

Objectives:

• Improve self-management skills among young people with asthma
• Deliver a sustainable, cost-effective solution meeting National Bundle of care standards
• Create an integrated, patient-centered digital care pathway

Expected Outcomes:

• Enhanced patient activation and confidence in self-management
• Reduced utilization of urgent, emergency, and primary care services
• Improved system efficiency through integrated care planning

Implementation Challenges

The project acknowledges significant barriers including health inequalities, varying digital maturity across regions, and strained front-line healthcare staffing.