Study Description
The Asthma Connect study evaluates whether a digital program for asthma self-management will improve asthma symptom control in Australians with asthma. This study is being conducted by researchers at the University of Newcastle, the Hunter Medical Research Institute, the Hunter New England Health District, and Asthma Australia.
Approximately 11% of Australians have asthma. Modern medicines have assisted people with asthma to live relatively normal, healthy lives. However, in many patients, asthma is poorly controlled, and many asthma-related hospitalisations and deaths still happen every year. Self-management behaviours and education can help to control asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Traditionally, it is provided in a face-to-face consultation with the primary care provider. However, data suggest that the majority with asthma use their inhalers incorrectly and have poor asthma knowledge and suboptimal adherence, indicating the limitations of the current system. A lack of time and skills are often quoted as the reason for this inadequate care delivery. To address this, we have developed a centralised national digital asthma care program, including a mobile app, web app, text messaging, and telehealth. This program aims to help people with asthma access self-management tools and education.
This program will use multiple digital health technologies to deliver asthma care to people with asthma, which will be facilitated by a trained asthma expert (Figure 1). Using multiple modalities will potentially improve the program’s acceptability and reach since people can engage with their preferred method. Moreover, the participants can receive many aspects of digital support at anytime, anywhere and as needed. The asthma expert systematically assesses the barriers to asthma control (e.g., knowledge, adherence, inhaler techniques etc.) (Figure 1) and addresses any identified gaps (i.e., education and training to self-manage their condition). In this study, we are testing whether this digital program helps people with asthma better control their condition.
We are looking for adults with asthma who have access to a smartphone and the internet. Participants are randomised into one of two study groups. Group one participants will receive some educational materials, and a referral to their doctor to get their asthma checked. Participants in group two are referred to Asthma Australia. Asthma Educators from Asthma Australia will provide at least two telehealth education sessions covering all the aspects of asthma self-management (Figure 1). They will also provide access to the mobile phone application, web app, and SMS messaging.
The main highlights of the ASTHMA CONNECT study include:
- Telehealth-based study: all assessments and follow-ups will be completed over the phone.
- Flexible interview schedule to suit participant’s convenience.
- Participants will be reimbursed to compensate for their time spent attending study interviews.
For a detailed description of the ASTHMA CONNECT study, please read our Participant Information Sheet.
Project Status: recruiting
Sign up now with Asthma Connect at:
Online expression of interest form: https://redcap.link/asthmaconnect
You can access the Participant Information Sheet and Consent Form here
E: AsthmaConnect@newcastle.edu.au
T: 02 4042 0111