A randomized, controlled trial of an interactive educational computer package for children with asthma

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
• Health Informatics
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Asthma self-management education is crucial for children.
• Existing resources may not fully engage pediatric patients.
• Interactive multimedia offers potential for improved health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact and acceptability of an educational multimedia program for pediatric asthma self-management.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of 'The Asthma Files' CD-ROM compared to a standard booklet.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial in 3 UK pediatric respiratory clinics.
• 101 children (7-14 years) randomized to booklet alone or booklet plus interactive CD-ROM.
• Outcomes included asthma knowledge, locus of control, lung function, oral steroid use, and school absence, measured at baseline, 1, and 6 months.

Main Results:

• Improved asthma knowledge and locus of control at 1 month in the CD-ROM group.
• No immediate differences in lung function, hospitalizations, or oral steroid use.
• At 6 months, significantly reduced oral steroid use and school absence in the CD-ROM group (though not statistically significant in intention-to-treat analysis).

Conclusions:

• 'The Asthma Files' CD-ROM is an effective and well-received educational tool.
• The program promotes asthma self-management skills in pediatric patients.
• Multimedia interventions can positively influence health behaviors and reduce asthma-related burdens.