#EFAPatientsDigitalDigital technologies are aimed at making healthcare more efficient, data-driven and patient-centred. Patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have indicated in EFA’s a willingness to embrace tools that empower them and improve outcomes DIG_IT survey. However uptake of innovative devices and services has been slower in healthcare than in other sectors.
The DIG_IT report: Asthma and COPD Patients’ Digital Journey in Europe
In addition to providing a deeper understanding of the benefits, barriers, and concerns around digital health, the project aims to develop insights into the patient digital journey in respiratory health.
By building on insights from the patient community, EFA will ensure that its positions reflect the current perspectives of the association’s members and patients it represents.
The DIG_IT survey findings have been translated into patient recommendations for policymakers, academia, and the technology sector.
The DIG_IT patient survey
The DIG_IT survey was conducted by the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) in the summer of 2021. It set out to capture the views of asthma and COPD patients on Europe’s digital future. The initiative surveyed close to thousand patients in five countries to understand their needs, perceptions, and use of digital technologies throughout their patient journey.
The DIG_IT survey covered:
- 970 asthma and COPD patients surveyed
- 5 European countries (Belgium, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Norway, and Spain)
- 50 questions on access, diagnosis, treatment, care as well as their views on health data and digital empowerment
The participating countries were selected according to several criteria such as access to digital solutions, impact of COVID 19 on national healthcare systems, and with regards to a geographical representation of EFA’s European membership. In addition, EFA preferred to conduct the survey in countries where no much data on digitalisation in the respiratory area were available.
Acknowledgements
The EFA’s DIG_IT Project, survey and survey report have been funded with unrestricted grants from EFA’s Sustainable Corporate Partners Astra Zeneca, Chiesi, MSD, OM Pharma and Roche.
EFA thanks our Asthma and COPD Working Group of Members for their insights and vision throughout this project from their national perspectives.
EFA deeply thanks the 970 asthma and COPD patients who participated in the survey and the EFA Members for their advice and sustained support in this project.