RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Εffectiveness of a Digital Social Intervention in Primary Care

This study aims to discover if a new way of helping people with asthma, using an online support community, truly makes a difference. Researchers are working with GPs to see if encouraging patients to join an online group reduces their asthma symptoms. They also want to understand if this approach is cost-effective for the NHS and how much patients and doctors like it. Patients with ongoing asthma problems are asked to complete a survey. If suitable, they might be invited to speak with a healthcare professional. Some will be shown how to use the online community, while others will receive their usual care. Over 12 months, researchers will check in to see how participants' asthma is managed and how they are feeling.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

600

Start

25 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Asthma Intermittent, Uncontrolled

What is this study about?

This study is investigating a new way to help people in the UK who have asthma that's still causing problems, even with their usual care. It focuses on whether giving people access to an online community where they can connect with others who also have asthma can improve their symptoms and overall well-being. Think of it like a digital support group that your GP might suggest.

The main idea is to see if encouraging people to join this online community, alongside their regular doctor's appointments, can lead to fewer troublesome asthma symptoms. The researchers will also be looking at whether this approach is a good use of NHS resources, considering things like quality of life and if people need to use healthcare services less often.

They want to understand not just if it works, but how well it works, who it works for, and what patients and healthcare staff think about it. By doing this, they hope to find better ways to support people in managing their asthma long-term.

Key takeaways

This study explores a digital way to help people manage their asthma better.
It tests if an online support community reduces asthma symptoms.
Participation involves a GP visit and follow-up over 12 months.
Some participants get access to an online community; others get usual care.
Your involvement helps improve asthma care for others.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult in the UK, aged between 18 and 99, who has asthma that's still causing you problems. You must have shown interest in digital support tools in a first survey. You also need to be able to give your own consent to take part, meaning you understand what the study involves.

There are a few reasons why you couldn't take part. If you’re already a member of the Asthma + Lung UK online community or other similar online asthma groups (like Facebook groups), you wouldn't be able to join this specific study. Also, if you’re receiving end-of-life care, living in a care home, or your own GP or nurse feels the study isn't right for you, then you wouldn't be able to participate.

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.

Are you 18 to 99 years old?
Do you have asthma that still causes you problems?
Are you NOT already a member of an online asthma community?
Are you able to give your consent to take part?
Are you NOT receiving end-of-life care or living in a care home?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first complete a short online survey to see if the study is a good fit for you. If it is, you'll be invited for a face-to-face meeting at your GP surgery with a healthcare professional. This meeting will last about 30-45 minutes.

During this meeting, a computer will randomly decide whether you get access to the online asthma support community or continue with your usual asthma care. If you're put into the online community group, you'll be given a username and password and shown how to log in. You'll complete an online questionnaire at this first appointment.

Over the next 12 months, the research team will call you every 3 months to ask about your asthma symptoms and if you've needed to use healthcare services. If you're in the online community group, you might also get monthly text messages reminding you to use the community. At the end of the 12 months, you'll complete one more online questionnaire, which should take about 10 minutes, asking about your asthma control, mood, and quality of life. The total time you'd be involved in the study is 12 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include getting a new tool to help manage your asthma by connecting with others online, which might lead to fewer symptoms and a better understanding of your condition. Even if you don't receive the online tool, your participation helps researchers learn more about the most effective ways to support people with asthma. There are no known significant risks associated with this study, as it involves an existing online community and standard check-ins. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (5)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

South West Peninsula Regional Research Delivery Network
Verified postcode
Exeter, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
East Midlands Regional Research Delivery Network
Verified postcode
Leicester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
North London Regional Research Delivery Network
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
North East and North Cumbria
Verified postcode
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom· Recruiting
East of England Regional Research Delivery Network
Verified postcode
Norwich, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an 'online health community'?

It's like a website or group where people with a similar health condition, like asthma, can share experiences, ask questions, and support each other online. For this study, it's run by Asthma + Lung UK.

Will my own GP be treating me during the study?

Yes, you will continue to receive your usual asthma care from your GP and their team throughout the study.

What happens if I'm put into the 'usual care' group?

You will simply continue with your regular asthma care as you normally would. You won't get access to the online community through the study, but you'll still help the researchers by sharing information about your asthma.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal information will be kept confidential and handled according to strict data protection rules.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

The study will last for 12 months after your first consultation at the GP surgery.

How to find out more

Anna De Simoni, PhD

a.desimoni@qmul.ac.uk +442078822520 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.