June 23, 2017

Researchers trial program to help asthma sufferers

Web-based tool tailors asthma management to individual needs

Academics from the University of Wollongong (UOW) will work with the Asthma Foundation NSW and Queensland, and primary care practices in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven on a research project to assess a web-based program that helps asthma sufferers manage their condition.

Giving Asthma Support to Patients (GASP) is a web-based decision-support tool used to provide asthma education at point of care, and to provide nurses in general practice with the skills and knowledge to undertake asthma assessments.

It was developed and trialled in New Zealand, where it has been shown to improve asthma management. In New Zealand, after assessment and education using GASP one-third of people visited the hospital less; one-third needed oral steroids less; and three-quarters needed to use their Ventolin less.

Professor Nick Zwar, Dean of Medicine at UOW and an expert in the area of chronic disease management in general practice and primary health care, will lead the study.

“GASP has shown promising results in New Zealand, where the evaluation showed a reduction of hospital admissions, oral steroid use and asthma attacks,” Professor Zwar said.

“The program aims to tailor the management of asthma to the individual’s personal needs.

“We will be working alongside the Asthma Foundation to assess whether the use of the GASP program improves asthma outcomes in patients with moderate to severe asthma.”

The research is looking for general practices in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven region to participate in the program, which will run for a 12-month period.