Digital health technologies (DHT) for asthma patients
In order to digitally optimize the use of its inhalation products and devices, a manufacturer was looking for an experienced development partner for tailor-made medical apps some years ago. As an innovative digital health technology (DHT), one of the solutions was intended to support young asthmatics and their caregivers in their daily dealings with the chronic lung disease.
Am I inhaling correctly? Am I using the inhaler in the intended way? The BAYOOMED development team’s task was to answer these questions from young patients via the app. With the help of data evaluation and a diary function, the medical app should provide insights into the inhalation method and allow caregives to draw conclusions for better treatment.
The development of a special medical app
In several agile development cycles, the BAYOOMED team designed a medical app that met all stakeholder requirements. “Because we have been developing digital health technologies for many years and have therefore been able to gain very different, valuable experience, we were able to realize the first version of the inhalation app in just a few months,” says Valentina Mitrea, now Project Manager (PM) at BAYOOMED .
At the same time, the project was a special one for the team due to the subject matter. “It was a great motivation for us to develop a medical app for the very young asthmatics that they would enjoy using despite their serious illness,” says the PM.
Tailor-made digital health technology: the second project
A second DHT was to supplement the digital offering for users of all ages with an additional inhalation device. The manufacturer’s requirements included a medical app with a web portal that would display visual diagrams of the inhalation device and suggestions for improving user behavior. To make it easier to use the medical device in everyday life, a timer was also to be used to remind users when an inhalation was due.
After eight months of development work, the BAYOOMED team presented the DHT to those responsible. “I was particularly pleased that we were able to implement a follow-up project for this manufacturer. We have built up a very cooperative relationship as equals and have a weekly exchange in order to always be up to date,” says the PM.