Optimising Inhaler Technique and Asthma Self-management in Children and Young People
This study, called v-DOT, wants to find the best way to help children and young people with asthma learn how to manage their condition. It aims to make sure they understand asthma basics and how to use their inhalers and nasal sprays correctly from an early age. We're comparing a new teaching method that uses videos (called Video Directly Observed Therapy, or v-DOT) with the usual training. The study will see if the video method helps them learn and remember how to use their inhalers better and understand their personalised asthma action plan (PAAP). Children with wheezing who are referred to a special asthma service might be asked to join.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is all about helping children and young people with asthma take control of their health. We know that using inhalers correctly and understanding how to manage asthma every day is really important for staying well. Sometimes, it can be tricky to remember all the steps or to know what to do when asthma acts up. This research aims to find better ways to teach these vital skills.
We're trying out a new teaching method called 'v-DOT', which stands for Video Directly Observed Therapy. This involves using videos to help young people (or their parents) practice using their inhalers and get feedback to make sure they're doing it perfectly. We're comparing this video method with the standard way of teaching to see if it's more effective at helping children master their inhaler technique and understand their personalised asthma action plan (PAAP), which is like a 'roadmap' for managing their asthma.
Children who come into hospital or visit A&E with wheezing attacks, and who are referred to a special pathway for asthma care, might be invited to take part. By learning from this study, we hope to improve the care that all children with asthma receive, helping them to feel better and stay out of hospital.
Key takeaways
- Aims to improve how children manage their asthma.
- Compares a video teaching method (v-DOT) with standard training.
- Focuses on correct inhaler use and understanding asthma action plans.
- Could help children take better control of their asthma early on.
- No new medicines are involved, only new ways of teaching.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children and young people between 1 and 15 years old (up to their 16th birthday). They should have asthma and already be using an inhaled steroid preventer medicine. They might have been to A&E or referred to hospital because of wheezing at least twice in the last six months, or they might have poorly controlled asthma that doctors think could benefit from more education.
Also, children who have had three wheezing episodes caused by viruses in the last six months, and are already on a preventer inhaler (even if they're not officially diagnosed with asthma yet), could be included. We can include children and young people who speak English or other languages, as we have translation services available.
However, children under 1 year old or those who only have a cough but no wheezing won't be able to join. Also, if a child has already received advanced training on inhaler technique and asthma action plans from an asthma clinic or nurse, they won't be eligible.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child aged between 1 and 15?
- Does your child have asthma and use a preventer inhaler?
- Has your child had wheezing attacks that needed hospital visits or A&E recently?
- Has your child's asthma control been difficult to manage?
- Has your child not received advanced inhaler training from an asthma clinic before?
What does participation involve?
If you or your child decides to take part, you'll first have a teaching session with an asthma nurse. They will use a 'teach-back' method to make sure you understand how to use the inhaler properly and how to follow the personalised asthma action plan. This session will also cover what asthma is, what triggers it, and how the medicines work.
After this, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance. One group will continue with further teaching sessions until they've mastered their inhaler technique and understanding of the asthma plan. The other group will be shown how to use a special app to record short videos of themselves or their child using the inhaler or nasal spray. They'll then upload these videos and receive feedback. This video process will continue until they've shown correct technique for three days in a row, up to a maximum of 21 days. There will be email reminders if videos aren't uploaded. The total duration of active participation with videos or extra training would be a few weeks, but your asthma care will continue as usual.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Belfast Health and Social care trustVerified postcodeBelfast, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is an asthma action plan?
It's a step-by-step guide from your doctor or nurse that tells you what medicines to take and what to do if your asthma gets worse.
What is v-DOT?
v-DOT stands for Video Directly Observed Therapy. It's a method where you record yourself using your inhaler and send it to a nurse for feedback.
Will my child get new medicine during the study?
No, this study is about checking how you use your current asthma medicine, not giving new ones.
What if I can't use a smartphone for videos?
The study offers different ways to learn. If the video method isn't for you, there's also the standard teaching approach.
How long will my child be in the study?
The active part of the study, with extra teaching or video uploads, will last for a few weeks, up to a maximum of 21 days for the video group.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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