ARIA digital anamorphosis: Digital transformation of health and care in airway diseases from research to practice

Publication
ARIA digital anamorphosis: Digital transformation of health and care in airway diseases from research to practice
19 May 2020

Allergy. 2020;00:1–23. 

DOI: 10.1111/all.14422

 

Digital anamorphosis is used to define a distorted image of health and care that may be viewed correctly using digital tools and strategies. MASK digital anamorphosis represents the process used by MASK to develop the digital transformation of health and care in rhinitis. It strengthens the ARIA change management strategy in the prevention and management of airway disease. The MASK strategy is based on validated digital tools. Using the MASK digital tool and the CARAT online enhanced clinical framework, solutions for practical steps of digital enhancement of care are proposed.

The MASK strategy represents a proof-of-concept for other chronic diseases as asthma-rhinitis multimorbidity plays a key role in understanding asthma and can be used as a general model of multimorbidity. Moreover, asthma and rhinitis have a life-course approach whereas most chronic diseases start early in life but are only clinically evident in adulthood. The lessons learnt by the MASK strategy are therefore transposable to other chronic diseases.

Anamorphosis is a metaphor for reimagining and expanding on appearances and overcoming otherness. MASK digital anamorphosis makes it possible to look at data from a different angle. The data then appear to be different to their familiar, expected and/or generally-accepted form. Anamorphosis may be associated with fear as phenomenological otherness often accompanies new technology. Education for a better appraisal of mHealth by all stakeholders is therefore essential. Metaphorical language can facilitate communication and shape of thought, thus providing key challenges and opportunities for future research.

mHealth has the potential to profoundly impact healthcare. mHealth apps now represent an important evolution of health and care for allergic rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity.  The Digital revolution is underway for rhinitis and asthma. Innovative health strategies and services will change management and create a new kind of partnership between the patients, the health care providers and the health system.