Goal-setting intervention in patients with active asthma: protocol for a pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Primary Care Research
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Self-management is crucial for individuals with asthma.
• Patient-centered interventions show promise in supporting valued life roles and activities.
• A brief, intensive intervention may enhance asthma self-management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a cluster-randomised controlled trial (cRCT) for a goal-setting intervention.
• To evaluate a brief, patient-centered intervention delivered during asthma reviews.
• To determine the potential of a goal-setting tool to improve asthma self-management.

Main Methods:

• A two-armed, single-blinded, multi-centre cluster-randomised feasibility trial in UK primary care.
• Intervention group used a goal-setting tool before asthma review; control group received usual care.
• Recruitment, intervention delivery methods, and acceptability were assessed via patient and staff data and interviews.

Main Results:

• The study focused on feasibility outcomes: patient and staff recruitment, optimal intervention delivery, and acceptability.
• Data collection included quality of life, asthma control, patient confidence, and health service resource use.
• Qualitative data from interviews provided insights into patient and staff experiences.

Conclusions:

• The feasibility trial provides data on the potential for a larger cluster-randomised controlled trial.
• Findings will inform the optimal delivery of a goal-setting intervention within routine asthma care.
• The intervention's acceptability and utility among patients and healthcare staff were evaluated.