Managing Chronic Conditions Through Digital and Patient-centric Care : A study on asthma patient preferences for a digital health care service

Abstract: Chronic diseases account for about 80\% of the total health care costs in Sweden, where the current health care system is designed according to the characteristics of acute diseases. Chronic care management is characterized by a long-term perspective and inclusion of multiple health care practitioners during the care process. New and more advanced digital health care solutions have emerged due to technology progress followed by increased use of consumer electronics. It creates opportunities to customize and advance health care services. Existing digital health care offerings include functions designed for acute symptoms, and single digital consultation sessions and treatments plans extending over a shorter period of time. There is a significant shortcoming of existing digital health care services for chronic patients, and research is lacking on how to construct such a service. The research was conducted with the digital health care provider Doktor24. The data for the study was both quantitatively and qualitatively collected through collection of existing statistical data and a patient survey, and interviews with patients and medical care personnel. Identified requirements indicate that asthma patients are not satisfied with the current physical asthma care process, where the process today is time-consuming and not particularly adjusted to benefit asthmatics. Patient preferences were summarized in three major aspects; accessibility and time efficiency, a dynamic customized treatment plan and independent self care. Determined functions were digital visits, digital spirometry, notifications and education and information. Together the functions form the basis for a digital chronic care solution for asthma patients. The thesis contributes to research by presenting a unique exploration on the existing opportunities with a patient-centric digital health care service for asthma patients.