Barriers and facilitators of digital health use in children and adolescents with bronchiectasis: Perspectives of parents and healthcare professionals

Self-management and monitoring of symptoms in pediatric bronchiectasis is important to identify exacerbations and to support treatment decisions. As digital health technologies (DHT) are integrated into healthcare, acknowledging barriers (Br) and facilitators (Fs) of DHTs use for children and adolescents with bronchiectasis may help in better disease management. <bold>Aim:</bold> To identify Br and Fs of DHT use based on the perceptions of parents (Ps) and healthcare professionals (HCP). <bold>Methods:</bold> Two focus groups (FC) were conducted, one for Ps and one for HCP, using MS Teams. FC were moderated by a facilitator to address queries and encourage participants to speak. Audiovisual recording of the sessions was performed using Open Broadcaster Software. A verbatim transcription was carried out followed by thematic analysis of the discussions. <bold>Results:</bold> 13 participants were recruited; Ps(n=6) and HCP(n=7) aged 29-38 and 30-55 ys, respectively. 11 main themes were yielded. Technical complexities, psychological aversions, socioeconomic challenges, privacy concerns and therapy-related issues in the adoption of digital health sources were considered barriers. Content, improved accessibility, technical support, familiarity with technology, training on use and shared decision-making with the family were reported as core facilitators. Ps considered that lack of time is a major therapy-related issue. Technical complexities and psychological aversions were common Br in both groups. Content, accessibility and technical support were core Fs. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Ps wish attractive content design, technical support, free supply and broad connectivity of DHT with devices/platforms