Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
Date Submitted: Nov 19, 2024
Date Accepted: Apr 14, 2025
Development and Feasibility of a Companion Robot for Children with Asthma: A Pilot Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Asthma is a prevalent chronic condition in children, and effective management requires proper inhalation techniques and consistent medication adherence. Despite advancements, caregivers often face challenges in ensuring these practices, highlighting the need for innovative tools to support pediatric asthma care.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the caregivers’ ability to utilize an application and model for pediatric patients with asthma, their attitudes toward the usage, and the characteristics that hinder or facilitate the implementation.
Methods:
Research Design: Descriptive study Methodology: The sample group consisted of 30 pediatric patients with asthma aged 3–6 years who received treatment at Siriraj Hospital’s clinic and their caregivers. The application and the model for children with asthma called “Pukkabot,” which is an innovation that is developed to teach inhalation techniques and to raise awareness about consistent medication administration through positive reinforcement, was examined. Data were collected utilizing personal questionnaires, the System Usability Scale (SUS) for evaluating usage and overall satisfaction, and interviews to gather attitudes toward applications and characteristics that hinder or facilitate. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and content analysis.
Results:
The study revealed that the scores for usability and overall satisfaction were 80.58, which is above the standard threshold and rated at grade A or an excellent level. Additionally, caregivers stated that the application and model were easy to utilize, not complicated, had appropriately sized screens, and demonstrated clear images and sounds. The detailed steps for inhalation were exhibited, and reminders included those of medication times. The pediatric patients enjoyed the application and were very interested, making most caregivers want to continue their use.
Conclusions:
Caregivers were generally satisfied with the usability, finding it easy to use and engaging, which successfully attracted the interest of the pediatric patients. Therefore, the application and model are used further by improving the model’s structure, adding content, incorporating tracking and symptom assessment systems, and establishing a downloadable application for smartphones for increased convenience. Clinical Trial: TCTR20240912001
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