RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Experience of Biologic Treatments for Severe Asthma: a Survey

Living with severe asthma can be very hard, affecting everything from breathing to daily activities and even mood. While new biologic treatments have made a big difference, we don't fully understand how they impact people's lives beyond what doctors usually measure, like lung function or asthma attacks. Some people feel much better, while others find the benefits are slower or experience unexpected side effects like headaches or tiredness. We also know that these treatments can affect things like energy levels and mental well-being for some. This survey aims to gather your personal experiences with these treatments, both good and bad, to help us understand these differences. We want to get a clearer picture of how these important medicines truly affect people like you across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

400

Start

01 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Severe Asthma

What is this study about?

Severe asthma is a type of asthma that can really take over someone's life. It causes breathing problems like wheezing and shortness of breath, and can also lead to depression, anxiety, and a feeling of being cut off from others. Happily, there are now seven special medicines called biologics available on the NHS in the UK that have changed how severe asthma can be treated.

While doctors have studied how well these medicines work in terms of things like improving lung function or reducing asthma attacks, we don't fully understand what it's like for people actually taking them. For instance, not everyone gets better at the same speed, and some people notice wider benefits beyond just their breathing, like feeling less tired or being able to join in family activities more. On the other hand, some people experience side effects like headaches or brain fog that aren't fully understood.

This study wants to hear directly from you about your experiences with biologic treatments for severe asthma. We've worked with people who have severe asthma to create a survey that asks about the things that really matter to patients, like how you felt when you started the treatment, what changes you noticed (good or bad, big or small), and any side effects you might have had. Your honest answers will help us understand the full picture of how these treatments affect people's lives, so we can better support patients in the future.

Key takeaways

Share your real-life experience with severe asthma and biologic treatments.
Help understand how these medicines affect daily life, beyond medical measures.
The study involves completing a private, online survey.
Your answers are important for improving future patient care.
You must be on a biologic for 6-18 months and not have switched treatments.
Your participation is voluntary, and you can stop anytime.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who are currently using a biologic treatment for their severe asthma. You need to have been on this specific treatment for at least 6 months, but no longer than 18 months. This is because doctors usually try a biologic for about a year to see if it works, and we want to hear from people who are within that timeframe or slightly after.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. You can't take part if you've already tried one biologic and then switched to another. Also, if your doctor believes that another serious health condition, like lung cancer or heart failure, is greatly affecting your breathing, you wouldn't be able to join this particular study. Finally, you must be willing and able to give your permission to use your survey answers.

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.

I am an adult (18 years or older).
I have severe asthma.
I am currently receiving a biologic treatment for my asthma.
I have been on my current biologic treatment for at least 6 months but no longer than 18 months.
I have NOT switched from one biologic treatment to another.
My doctor does not believe another major health condition is the main cause of my breathing problems.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to complete an online survey. This survey will ask about your experiences with your biologic treatment for severe asthma, including how you felt when you started it, the improvements or changes you've noticed, and any side effects you might have experienced. You'll complete this survey on your own, without help from doctors or study staff, and it will be in your own language. The survey information will be provided online, and you'll give your permission to take part there. Since it's a survey, there are no clinic visits, medications, or long-term follow-up required. Your involvement will just be completing the survey, which you can do from home.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is that your experience will help doctors and researchers understand how biologic treatments truly affect people with severe asthma in their daily lives. This can lead to better care and support for patients in the future. As this is a survey, there are no medical risks involved. The main potential risk would be if you find some questions upsetting or tiring, but you can stop the survey at any time if you feel uncomfortable. Your information will be kept private, and you are free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any point before submitting your completed survey.

Locations (1)

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

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Exeter, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a biologic treatment?

Biologic treatments are special medicines for severe asthma that target specific parts of your immune system to help control your asthma symptoms.

How long will the survey take?

The survey is designed to be completed in one sitting, but the exact time will depend on your answers. It typically takes less than an hour.

Will my answers be kept private?

Yes, all your answers will be kept completely confidential and anonymous, meaning no one will be able to link your responses back to you.

Do I have to share my medical records?

No, this study only involves completing a survey about your personal experiences. We will not be accessing your medical records.

Can I get help filling out the survey?

The survey is designed for you to complete on your own. If you have questions about understanding the study, you can ask the research team at your asthma clinic.

How to find out more

Joseph Lanario, PhD

joseph.lanario@plymouth.ac.uk +44 01752 764403 Official trial record

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