Spirometry Monitoring and Asthma Responsibility in Kids (SMARt-Kids): A Mixed-Methods Study.

INTRODUCTION

Asthma affects 4.6 million U.S. children, and home spirometry offers a promising monitoring tool, yet research on its use in children is limited. This study explored feasibility, acceptability, usability, barriers, facilitators, and management responsibility of home spirometry in school-aged children with persistent asthma.

METHODS

A convergent mixed-methods design was used to assess home spirometry feasibility, acceptability, usability, and management responsibility in 11 parent-child dyads (children aged 7-11), sampled from a completed RCT (NCT04908384).

RESULTS

Both parents and children found home spirometry feasible and acceptable. Parents valued real-time lung function tracking but identified usability issues and technological challenges as barriers. Responsibility scores indicated shared management, though interviews revealed predominantly parent-driven use.

DISCUSSION: Home spirometry is feasible and acceptable for families with school-aged children with asthma; however, technological barriers complicate use. Family-centered education and integration of home spirometry into routine care may help clinicians detect early changes in asthma control.