Posted on: 25 February 2026
People in West Yorkshire with asthma and COPD are being 
encouraged to use a set of nationally recognised digital health apps that have shown improvements in patients’ self-management, symptom control and confidence.
The apps, COPDhub, Asthmahub and Asthmahub for Parents, help people use their inhalers correctly, follow personalised action plans and make more sustainable treatment choices - supporting a reduced risk of avoidable exacerbations and healthcare visits.
The rollout in West Yorkshire follows successful use in Wales, where large-scale adoption has supported improved engagement with care teams and more sustainable inhaler choices and was made possible through the work of Dr Katherine Hickman (Bradford GP and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board Respiratory Clinical Lead).
The Health Care Public Health team at Wakefield Council has worked with colleagues across the system, to support information governance approval and ensure training is available through Conexus Healthcare GP Federation. The apps are now being actively promoted across West Yorkshire GP practices and community services.
The initiative is seen as an important step in modernising respiratory care for communities in West Yorkshire, supporting people to manage their condition confidently at home while making clinical appointments more focused and meaningful.
Local clinicians are backing the initiative as a practical way to support day-to-day self-management and to strengthen conversations between patients and their healthcare teams.
Dr Pauline Riddett, a GP Partner at Northgate Surgery in Pontefract, said: “Digital tools like this help patients and clinicians work together to improve patient care.
“We want people in West Yorkshire to have the right support in their pocket every day, not only when they come to see us.
“These apps help people understand their symptoms, follow their treatment plan and know when to seek help. They are simple to use and fit around real life.”
The apps connect patients to trusted NHS information and mirror national guidelines used by local services.
Users can record how they are feeling, monitor inhaler use, watch technique videos and access a personalised emergency plan. Information can also be shared with clinicians during reviews to support more effective care.
Residents with asthma or COPD can download the apps free of charge and register in minutes.
GP practices and community teams across West Yorkshire have begun sharing information about how to get started and will continue to do so over the coming months.
There is an education event for clinical and lay staff who will be using the apps - Supporting Patients with Self-Management Respiratory Apps - taking place online on 17 March
For further information about the apps, please visit the Asthmahub and COPDhub website.