Implementation of a Pediatric-to-adult Asthma Transition Program

University of Calgary30 enrolled

Overview

Despite the clear and often stated need, a formal transition program does not exist for asthma patients as they move from pediatric to adult care in Western Canada. This population is not having their health care needs met. The investigators proposed study would evaluate a well structured transition program designed to facilitate continuity of care for this at risk patient population. Primary hypothesis: A pediatric-to-adult asthma transition program will improve the asthma-specific quality of life of young asthma patients in the Calgary area over a 1 year period. Secondary hypothesis: A pediatric-to-adult asthma transition program will improve asthma control, decrease asthma exacerbations, and reduce health care utilization in young asthma patients in the Calgary area over a 1 year period.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Asthma Education

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 17 YearsMax age: 19 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * clinical diagnosis of asthma (as confirmed by a pediatric respirologist or pediatrician with asthma expertise, and including evidence of variable airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and/or response to therapy) Exclusion Criteria: * patients who are known to be non-adherent within the Calgary Regional Pediatric Asthma Clinic (defined as \>50% missed appointments over a 2 year period) * patients unable to complete pulmonary function testing * patients with a history of significant respiratory comorbid conditions (including history of cystic fibrosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and lung transplant - rhinosinusitis patients will not be excluded) * patients unable to provide consent.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire with Standardized Activities [AQLQ(S)]

AQLQ(S) will be recorded at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The primary outcome will be the change in AQLQ(S) from baseline to 12 months.

Time frame: 12 months

Secondary Outcomes

Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ)

The ACQ will be administered at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The secondary outcome will assess change in ACQ from baseline to 12 months.