Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) helps develop evolutionary augmented reality technology set to improve inhaler technique for children with asthma, and save lives
Pioneering inhaler training app, My Spira, developed through a KTP between Orbital Media and University of Suffolk
The likelihood of serious or fatal asthma attacks occurring in children could be reduced thanks to a revolutionary new app, which improves the training of correct inhaler technique, using a combination of augmented reality and game play. MySpira is the world’s first metered dose inhaler training app to utilise the new augmented reality functionality, released by Google (AR Core) and Apple (AR Kit).
This innovative app has been developed by Orbital Media in Suffolk, in collaboration with University of Suffolk via a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part funded by Innovate UK and the Arts & Humanities Research Council. and facilitated by Knowledge Transfer Adviser Jan Stringer. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships help facilitate innovation by creating a three way collaboration between a company, a university and a talented graduate. The programme has been running for more than 40 years and over that time has helped over 12,000 companies – in practically every sector of the UK economy – innovate for growth. Here, augmented reality technology has been developed, via a KTP, to help improve effective use of inhalers for asthma sufferers.
Various studies have shown that up to 93% of asthma sufferers use their inhalers incorrectly, which can result in less than 5% of the medicine reaching where it is needed in the lungs. Where proper inhaler training programmes have been put in place, emergency admissions have been reduced by 50% and asthma deaths by 75%. In fact, the National Review of Asthma Deaths in 2014 concluded that two thirds of asthma deaths would be preventable by better management.
In a recent study of 96 children aged 6 – 13, a steady increase of information recall was observed with the MySpira app, over traditional asthma / inhaler education methods, such as leaflets and videos. Supplementing existing asthma care educational materials, MySpira introduces likable characters and tactile interactions, to engage children suffering with asthma. Throughout the enjoyable 20 minute experience, the child is taught about asthma keywords, triggers, different types of inhalers, how to prepare the inhaler and spacer, and how to inhale the medicine correctly.
Karyn McBride, asthma nurse and medical advisor to MySpira comments, “A good inhaler technique significantly cuts the risk of having an asthma attack – if your technique isn’t correct, you might not be getting the full dose of medicine prescribed. Common mistakes I see include inadequate shaking of canister before inhalation, inhaling too fast or too slowly and not using it at the right angle. I’ve even seen somebody leave the cap on! There is a real need for better – and modernised – education, so patients, including children, can take control of their asthma.”
Dr. Simon Rudland, Partner at Stowhealth and medical advisor to MySpira comments, “Asthma can be a life-threatening condition but managing it properly can help keep sufferers symptom free. It is important that children are taught from a young age so they can take control of their asthma. The initial results of this research are extremely promising, improving both technique and compliance. Not only does this lead to better health long-term, but if adopted nationwide, could dramatically reduce the number of emergency cases, resulting in fewer hospitalisations. We are looking at integrating this app into our existing asthma support services in the future.”
Peter Brady, CEO of Orbital Media, comments, “Asthma affects 5.4 million people in the UK, 1.1 million of whom are children, and costs the NHS £1.1 bn per annum. Our vision was to develop an application to improve educational content, which would ultimately cut the number of preventable child deaths. In addition, MySpira helps children gain confidence about self-care; engaging and teaching them how to manage asthma independently. It puts them back in control of their condition and is something they will take with them into adulthood. It’s hugely exciting for Orbital Media to be at the forefront of this technology, which could have a huge impact in reducing asthma attacks in children, as well as saving the NHS millions of pounds. We’d also like to thank the children of our local schools, who have supported us by trialling the app.”
The University‚Äôs partnership with Orbital Media is the University‚Äôs first Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) which was facilitated by the Knowledge Transfer Network’s KT Adviser, Jan Stringer who added ‚ÄúThe My Spira app was born out of an amazing Knowledge Transfer Partnership, which, despite all the partners (University of Suffolk, Orbital Media and the KTP Associate) being new to working collaboratively took the project above and beyond all expectations. It was awarded the top grade of ‚Äúoutstanding” and I am proud to have helped facilitate it!‚Äù
MySpira is available for asthma patients, schools, pharmacists, GP surgeries and hospitals for download onto smartphone or tablet devices, which support either Apple ARKit or Google ARCore. It is recommended that the MySpira app is used to instil a good understanding of asthma and how to correctly use a metered dose inhaler. Refresh training should take place when required or annually.
MySpira is available to download from the App Store and Google Play at an introductory price of 99p.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships aim to help businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base.  KTPs are funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK and other co-funders as part of the government’s Industrial Strategy. The Knowledge Transfer Network delivers KTP for Innovate UK.
ORBITAL MEDIA is one of the UK’s most innovative digital agencies, working with many of the world’s biggest global companies. Led by CEO Peter Brady and COO Hayden Allen-Vercoe, it uses the latest technology and marketing strategies to connect brands with consumers. Orbital also specialises in developing pioneering innovations that utilise artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality and gamification. Founded in 2003, the company has offices based in London, Suffolk and Somerset.
DR. SIMON RUDLAND is a GP with over 20 years of clinical experience. He is a lead partner at Stowhealth and Fellow of the Royal College of GPs and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University Of East Anglia. He has conducted original clinical research and published in major peer review publications such as the British Medical Journal. Simon is passionate about enhancing patient’s ability to self-manage their conditions through the use of digital technology.
KARYN MCBRIDE is a Nurse Practitioner with 16 years clinical experience, 8 of those in general practice. She has a special interest in Respiratory care and is committed to improving patient outcomes especially in relation to long term medical conditions. She recognises the importance of engaging patients’ in their own care and empowering them to take control of their conditions through newly available technologies. In particular she feels passionate about young children and adolescents being given the chance to be independent and make decisions about their health, helping them to take that through to adulthood.
(AHRC) The Arts & Humanities Research Council is one of a number of sponsors of the KTP programme and will support or co-sponsor projects that demonstrate and utilise knowledge, skills or technologies arising from all areas of arts and humanities research and which, broadly defined, focus on the creative economy.
ASTHMA FACTS AND SOURCES
- Asthma affects 5.4 million people in the UK, 1.1 million of whom are children
- People with asthma account for 2-3% of GP consultations per year
Charlton I, White P, Chapter 2.4 in Jones R, Britten N, Culpepper L, Gass DA, Grol R, Mant D, et al. (eds), Oxford Textbook of Primary Medical Care, vol. Vol. 2: clinical management. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004). - Asthma costs NHS £1.1 bn per annum
- 93% of asthma sufferers use their inhalers incorrectly
- 75% of people with severe asthma need regular emergency care
- 2/3 of deaths from asthma attacks are preventable
- In 2016 1,410 people died from asthma
- 6.4 million GP and nurse consultations for asthma each year
- 270 people admitted to hospital each day because of asthma attacks
- 76% of people had their inhaler technique checked according to Asthma UK’s 2017 Annual Survey
- It is estimated that allergic asthma affects 5%–12% of people in Europe
- In the UK, 69% of parents or partners of parents of asthmatic children report having to take time off work because of their child’s asthma, and 13% had lost their jobs (Valovirta, 2011)
- Allergy is the cause of asthma in about 80% of cases. Furthermore, according to the WAO, about 50% of asthmatics older than 30 years of age are concomitantly allergic. Younger asthmatics have an even higher incidence of allergies (Valovirta, 2011)