STudy of Asthma Adherence Reminders (STAAR)
Childhood Asthma

About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Childhood Asthma
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Doctor diagnosed asthma.
- On at least BTS stage 2, which means they will be on regular inhaled steroids.
No change in regular asthma treatment in the last 1 month (on regular inhaled steroids, no change in steroid dose for
1 month, no change in add on therapy in the last month).
- ACQ (Asthma Control Questionnaire) score more than or equal to 1.5.
- Can speak and understand English.
Exclusion Criteria:
- BTS stage 5 asthma (complex issues, too unstable).
- Recent changes to asthma treatment within the last month. (see above)
- ACQ (Asthma Control Questionnaire) score < 1.5.
- Another chronic health condition (eg diabetes, congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis).
- Can't speak or understand English.
Sites / Locations
- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Feedback and alarms
No feedback or alarms
Standard education about importance of inhaled steroids and regular adherence to inhaled steroids after recruitment to study. Randomized to receive an electronic adherence device ( activated smartinhaler or smartturbo - Nexus 6) with twice daily alarm reminders activated. Patient decides times, different times on weekdays and weekends if required. This device fitted to their regular preventer inhaler, patient aware of its presence and its purpose in the context of the study. Reviewed in standard asthma clinic every 3 months for 12 months. At each clinic visit, adherence information downloaded from device and data shared with patient and family (feedback of adherence data). Discussion about adherence rates, and action planning for the next 3 months to improve adherence if necessary.
Standard education about importance of inhaled steroids and regular adherence to inhaled steroids after recruitment to study. Randomized to receive an electronic adherence device. Deactivated Smartinhaler or Smartturbo. Device not activated to play reminder alarms. This device fitted to their regular preventer inhaler, patient aware of its presence and its purpose in the context of the study. Reviewed in standard asthma clinic every 3 months for 12 months. At each clinic visit, adherence information downloaded from device but data not shared with patient, and no adherence discussion.