CompletedNot Applicable

A MHealth Intervention to Improve Symptom Control in Children and Adolescents with Difficult-to-control Asthma

Spain60 participantsStarted 2021-09-01

Plain-language summary

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease worldwide. Despite advances in asthma management, control of the disease is still a challenge especially among children. Information and communications technology (ICT) have been recently used in clinical practice to increase awareness of diseases, encourage patients to engage in the management of their conditions and improve monitoring and surveillance. The investigators of this study will test a new digital platform combining online/offline content aimed to improve asthma control and reduce exacerbations and unnecessary consultations in children with difficult-to-control asthma. A randomised controlled trial enrolling 60 patients allocated in two groups has been designed. The intervention group (IG) will be granted free access during 6 months to a web-based platform. During this period, patient will have access to online/off line content to improve disease awareness, monitor signs and symptoms and will also get the support of a respiratory coach. In addition, patients in this group will receive an electronic peak flow meter to register daily variations in maximal expiratory flow and an electronic device to connect to their inhaler to track adequate intake of inhaled medication. The control group (CG) will receive usual care consisted of scheduled visitations to medical doctors every 4 - 8 weeks. Both groups will be evaluated at baseline, post-intervention (6 months) and at follow up (one year) in the following variables: age, gender, asthma severity classification according to international guidelines, date of diagnosis, weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), Asthma Control Test (ACT) score, treatment received for asthma, number of exacerbations in the previous 6 months and concomitant diseases. Exacerbations will be defined as any worsening in asthma symptoms that requires an increase in the usual therapy, an unscheduled physician visit, treatment in the emergency room or hospitalization.

Who can participate

Age range

6 Years – 18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * children between 6 and 18 years old; * diagnosis of moderate to severe persistent asthma according to the international guidelines * difficult to control asthma according to a scoring in the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) of 1.5 points or Asthma Control Test (ACT) ≤19; * access to internet and a smartphone, tablet or computer; * ability to understand and use the web-based platform (in children \<12 years the ability of the tutor or legal guardian); * informed consent (by the tutor or legal guardian) Exclusion Criteria: * patients who have had an exacerbation in the previous two weeks; * patients with intermittent asthma and/or well-controlled asthma according to the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score of \<1.5 or Asthma Control Test (ACT) score ≥20; * any neurological or psychiatric condition that prevents patients to use adequately the platform.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Differences in asthma control inter-group

Timeframe: 6 months

Differences in asthma control inter-group

Timeframe: 12 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04166344

SponsorLovexair Foundation

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-05-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Asthma in Children trials