Internet-Based Program to Improve Asthma Management in Children

In the United States, almost 9 million children have been diagnosed with asthma. It is a leading cause of hospitalization, chronic disease, and school absenteeism. With the proper treatment, most children with asthma are able to lead a normal life. However, if asthma is not adequately controlled, it can be a life-threatening disease. It is important for parents to work with their child's doctor to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that minimizes asthma symptoms. AsthmaNet, an interactive web-based system, aims to improve the quality of care for children with asthma by enhancing parents' asthma care skills and encouraging parents to discuss their child's asthma care with their doctor. AsthmaNet provides evidence-based guidelines, asthma management tools, and individually tailored feedback to both parents and physicians to improve communication and enhance asthma management skills and behaviors. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of AsthmaNet at increasing medication and treatment adherence in children with asthma. This 1-year study will enroll young children with asthma. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use the AsthmaNet web site or not use the web site. The web site will provide parents of children in the AsthmaNet group with individualized clinical information regarding their child's asthma care and with decision-making aids that they can share with their child's doctor. The web site will also prompt parents to make additional doctor appointments, as needed, to discuss their child's condition. All children will attend regularly scheduled doctor's appointments for asthma and receive their usual care; there are no additional study visits specifically for this study. Study researchers will review medical records to analyze medication usage and asthma symptoms. Participants in the AsthmaNet group will complete questionnaires on a monthly basis to assess asthma status; the control group will complete questionnaires at Month 6 and Year 1.