Feasibility trial of a digital self-management intervention 'My Breathing Matters' to improve asthma-related quality of life for UK primary care patients with asthma. Issue 11 (12th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ainsworth, Ben; Greenwell, Kate; Stuart, Beth; Raftery, James; Mair, Frances; Bruton, Anne; Yardley, Lucy; Thomas, Mike
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 9:Issue 11(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11-12
• Subjects: asthma -- self-management -- quality of life -- primary care -- breathing retraining -- digital; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032465
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and acceptability of an asthma self-management digital intervention to improve asthma-specific quality of life in comparison with usual care. Design and setting: A two-arm feasibility RCT conducted across seven general practices in Wessex, UK. Participants: Primary care patients with asthma aged 18 years and over, with impaired asthma-specific quality of life and access to the internet. Interventions: 'My Breathing Matters' (MBM) is a digital asthma self-management intervention designed using theory, evidence and person-based approaches to provide tailored support for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of asthma symptoms. Outcomes: The primary outcome was the feasibility of the trial design, including recruitment, adherence and retention at follow-up (3 and 12 months). Secondary outcomes were the feasibility and effect sizes of specific trial measures including asthma-specific quality of life and asthma control. Results: Primary outcomes: 88 patients were recruited (target 80). At 3-month follow-up, two patients withdrew and six did not complete outcome measures. At 12 months, two withdrew and four did not complete outcome measures. 36/44 patients in the intervention group engaged with MBM (median of 4 logins, range 0–25, IQR 8). Consistent trends were observed to improvements in asthma-related patient-reported outcome measures. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a definitive RCT that is required to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a digital asthma self-management intervention. Trial registration number: ISRCTN15698435 .