Congratulations to Dr Io Hui and Professor Hilary Pinnock who have been awarded funding in the latest round of Innovation Grants from the Chief Scientist Office/Asthma UK. Beyond PhD research Io was the first Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research PhD student to graduate, with her ceremony taking place at the end of 2018. Building on Io’s PhD project, the funding will enable continued research into the development of digital solutions to support asthma self-management. Io will be based at the University of Edinburgh. Digital tools for self-management Asthma self-management with an action plan can lead to better day-to-day control of symptoms, less time off work or school, and also reduce the risk of future attacks. Emerging technologies such as smart inhalers, artificial intelligence and the internet-of-things (smart gadgets which can connect to the internet to auto-collect and transfer data) can support people to manage their asthma. When these emerging technologies work together, we called them ‘connected asthma’ technology. From app to ‘connected asthma’ During her PhD, Io previously investigated which features patients would like to see as part of a self-management app. Popular items included action plans, monitoring with feedback, allergy/weather warnings and tailor-made running coaching. The innovation grant will allow Io to expand on this research, from app to ‘connected asthma’ technologies. Partnering with technology partner, Tactuum, the team will build a digital solution and interview patients and practices for their views. Image credit: ipopba/Getty Images Related Links Read more about Io Hui's PhD project Professor Hilary Pinnock's University of Edinburgh profile Visit the Tactuum website Originally published 27 February 2019 Publication date 18 Jan, 2021
