Asthma UK

Asthma UK

Research to ascertain the views, needs and aspirations of young children with asthma www.asthma.org.uk

Background

Asthma UK recommends that everyone with asthma has a written personal asthma action plan agreed with their GP or nurse.Prior to this project there were no appropriately aligned child-facing materials available to assist children with understanding and managing their condition.

To ensure resources were valuable, appealing, engaging and effective, Asthma UK wanted to conduct robust research which brought together the views, needs and aspirations of children with asthma, along with the health carers who support them.

Aim

To provide health care professionals throughout the UK with self-management resources to distribute to children aged 8 -11 years with asthma.

What did we do?

We undertook initial research with children across the UK using an online survey exploring the preferred types of self-management aids.

After establishing their needs, a focused second stage research programme tested our draft resource designs face-to-face with children across the UK.

Results

Insights and findings from the research were used to guide our strategic approach and the development of appropriate materials for children.

My Asthma resources included:

  • A colourful wall calendar to monitor health and progress
  • Reward and reminder stickers
  • Handy asthma medications and advice plan
  • Parent/guardian asthma plan postcard.

The resources were finalised and piloted in GP surgeries throughout the UK during March 2010, with a high amount of positive feedback received. Most notably, 9 out of 10 children said that the My Asthma materials helped them remember which medicines to take, and an equally impressive 89% of parents contacted in the pilot said they felt My Asthma helped their child understand their asthma better.
More information and an order facility can be found at www.asthma.org.uk/myasthma