Elevance Health and UC Irvine study underscores potential of digital health tools to reduce asthma burden across U.S. populations

A groundbreaking clinical trial led by multidisciplinary researchers found that a digital asthma self-management (DASM) program significantly improved asthma symptom control in adults, with benefits sustained over 12 months. Program participants used everyday devices - like Apple Watch and iPhone – along with a tailored mobile app to help them manage their asthma. The findings represent some of the most compelling evidence to date supporting the use of digital health technologies in asthma care.

The virtual, randomized, controlled and decentralized study was conducted by Elevance Health and University of California, Irvine, in collaboration with Apple, Inc. The trial enrolled 901 adult participants across 41 U.S. states, including individuals with commercial and Medicaid coverage. The DASM group used an iPhone app integrated with Apple Watch to track asthma-related metrics, receive personalized alerts, and log symptoms—demonstrating the scalability and potential of DASM to support asthma self-management nationwide.

Among participants with uncontrolled asthma at baseline, those receiving DASM improved Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores by an average of 4.6 points over 12 months—compared to 1.8 points in the control group. This can mean improvements such as less shortness of breath or asthma-related disruption of day-to-day activities. Among individuals with controlled asthma at baseline, results also favored DASM over the control group (usual care), though less robustly.

Notably, the study found consistent benefit across insurance types and ethnicities, though effects were decreased among African American participants. Engagement metrics—such as symptom log activity and app usage—correlated with improved outcomes.

“These results support continued development of digital asthma self-management programs,” said Jordan Silberman, MD, PhD, co-lead author and Director of Clinical Analytics at Elevance Health. “Findings also underscore the need for culturally adaptive strategies to ensure equitable engagement and impact across all communities affected by asthma.”

Secondary outcomes revealed additional benefits for DASM users, including improved medication adherence, greater confidence in self-management, and reduced impact of asthma on work productivity.

“We are proud to support research that not only improves chronic disease management but prioritizes underserved populations often left behind in digital innovation,” said Richard A. Lee, MD, co-author and Associate Clinical Professor, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at UC Irvine.

View the full article via JAMA Network Open: A Digital Asthma Self-Management Program for Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

About Elevance Health

Elevance Health is a lifetime, trusted health partner whose purpose is to improve the health of humanity. The company supports consumers, families, and communities across the entire healthcare journey – connecting them to the care, support, and resources they need to lead better lives. Elevance Health’s companies serve over 109 million consumers through a diverse portfolio of industry-leading medical, pharmacy, behavioral, clinical, home health, and complex care solutions. For more information, please visit www.elevancehealth.com or follow us @ElevanceHealth on X and Elevance Health on LinkedIn.

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