Children’s views on artificial intelligence and digital twins for the daily management of their asthma: a mixed-method study

Abstract

New technologies enable the creation of digital twin systems (DTS) combining continuous data collection from children’s home and artificial intelligence (AI)-based recommendations to adapt their care in real time. The objective was to assess whether children and adolescents with asthma would be ready to use such DTS. A mixed-method study was conducted with 104 asthma patients aged 8 to 17 years. The potential advantages and disadvantages associated with AI and the use of DTS were collected in semi-structured interviews. Children were then asked whether they would agree to use a DTS for the daily management of their asthma. The strength of their decision was assessed as well as the factors determining their choice. The main advantages of DTS identified by children were the possibility to be (i) supported in managing their asthma (ii) from home and (iii) in real time. Technical issues and the risk of loss of humanity were the main drawbacks reported. Half of the children (56%) were willing to use a DTS for the daily management of their asthma if it was as effective as current care, and up to 93% if it was more effective. Those with the best computer skills were more likely to choose the DTS, while those who placed a high value on the physician–patient relationship were less likely to do so. Conclusions : The majority of children were ready to use a DTS for the management of their asthma, particularly if it was more effective than current care. The results of this study support the development of DTS for childhood asthma and the evaluation of their effectiveness in clinical trials. What is Known: • New technologies enable the creation of digital twin systems (DTS) for children with asthma. • Acceptance of these DTSs by children with asthma is unknown. What is New: • Half of the children (56%) were willing to use a DTS for the daily management of their asthma if it was as effective as current care, and up to 93% if it was more effective. •Children identified the ability to be supported from home and in real time as the main benefits of DTS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00431-022-04754-8.

Home monitoring in asthma: towards digital twins

“…Patient acceptance of digital systems is generally good in studies that have evaluated the use of multiple sensors to monitor asthma [25 ▪ ,31 ▪ ,44 ▪ ]. Asked specifically about a digital twin system for managing their asthma, combining continuous home monitoring via connected objects, automated treatment changes based on artificial intelligence, and an in-person visit once a year to update the algorithms, 56% of the 99 children surveyed in Paris (France) were willing to use the system if it proved as effective as usual care [45 ▪ ] (Fig. 3).…”

ERS “CONNECT” Clinical Research Collaboration – moving multiple digital innovations towards connected respiratory care: addressing the over-arching challenges of whole systems implementation

“…They are willing to consider secondary use of their health data but have concerns about data privacy and security. Qualitative research has identified similar barriers and facilitators for use of digital respiratory technologies [25][26][27].…”

Patient digital twins: an introduction based on a scoping review

“…6 In the health sector, the concept of digital twins attracted interest from industry, scientists, clinicians and patients. 7,8 Besides digital twins of hospitals, there is a strong rationale for the development of digital twins of patients, as these systems could offer personalised medicine through information gathered by the Internet of Things, real-time adaptation of treatments through efficient connectivity, and even automation of certain aspects of medical management through predictions based on machine learning. 9 An increasing number of scientific publications claim to be developing or to have developed "digital twins" of organs, physiological systems, or patients.…”