Asthma NZ Mobile App No1

The Asthma New Zealand mobile app has again made #1 in the Medical category in the New Zealand App Store. This follows the results from a GP Focus group convened by Asthma New Zealand late last year that saw unanimous support for the app and the potential of mHealth. All participating GP’s indicated that they would recommend the app to their patients and that they found that the app was useful and would assist with asthma control. This mirrors the same feedback from user of the app in a recent survey.

The Asthma NZ App allows users to track, control and manage their Asthma on a daily basis. Thanks to its sponsors it is free to download on the Apple App Store. The App was developed in partnership with VADR a local mobile app developer and is supported by The First Sovereign Trust, GSK, Infinity Trust and SKYCITY Community Trust. It was launched in July 2012 and was seen as a step forward in assisting people to manage their asthma.

With a growing list of five Star App Store reviews and users in rural and urban areas the app is meeting the promise of its developer (VADR) and mHealth. Gerry Hanna, CEO of Asthma New Zealand says “The app is proving to cut across ethnic and geographical barriers and delivery health services to users in need of assistance. We are seeing users from across the social spectrum using the App as people can now acquire a second hand handset for around $100 or free on a plan.”

NZ has the second highest prevalence of asthma in the world and it costs the New Zealand economy $1.5 billion directly and indirectly each year. The reason is that respiratory illness is one of the most common reasons for Kiwis visiting their GP or hospital. The impact is compounded as people often have poor asthma control or have poor perception of their asthma control. Data being generated by the app supports this thesis and Asthma New Zealand is planning to undertake further research with the app generated data.

The developer and Asthma New Zealand have further enhancements planned. The most recent enhancement has been the addition of a quick add menu. This allows users to quickly add their peak flow readings, medication compliance and symptoms on the go. John McRae, CEO of VADR said “Our team is incredibly proud of the app, it’s positive social impact and that it’s the best in its class internationally. Now all that has to be done is to continue to get the message out that it’s free and that it works.”

More information about the app is available at www.breatheeasy.co.nz

The Asthma NZ App is free to download on the Apple App Store.

ENDS

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