Jump to top menu Jump to main menu Jump to content
Research project

The Rotterdam Asthma Trial

Status: Ongoing (September 2017-2022)

Protocolled practice nurse-led care for children 6-12 years with asthma in primary care. Primary objective of the study is to determine the effect of protocolled practice nurse-led asthma care for children aged 6 to 12 years old in primary care on asthma control (compared to usual care).

What we do

About our project

Background
In children with asthma, daily symptoms and exacerbations have a significant impact on the quality of life of both children and parents. Trials in adults suggest that asthma control is better when patients receive a regular medical review. This study aims to determine whether protocolled practice nurse-led asthma care for children in primary care provides more effective asthma control than usual care.

Hypothesis
We hypothesize that protocolled nurse-led care by the practice nurse will improve asthma control and quality of life.

Methods
A total of 180 children aged 6 to 12 years with asthma will be included. Patients will randomly be allocated per cluster to either protocolled nurse-led care by the practice nurse or usual care by their general practitioner. The effect of treatment will be evaluated by questionnaires, spirometry and follow-up data during the consultations with the practice nurse. Statistical analysis will be based on both the intention-to-treat and the per-protocol principle.

Our research focus

Primary outcome
The primary outcome is asthma control measured by the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT)

Secondary outcomes
Secondary outcomes are frequency and severity of exacerbations, healthcare costs, (disease specific) quality of life, results of spirometry and patient/nurse/GP satisfaction with delivered care. Outcomes are measured 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after baseline.

Funds & Grants

ZonMw HGOG (grant number 839110021).

Publications

Bousema S, Verwoerd AJ, Goossens LM, Bohnen AM, Bindels PJE, Elshout G. Protocolled practice nurse-led care for children with asthma in primary care: protocol for a cluster randomised trial. BMJ Open. 2019 Sep 27;9(9):e022922. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022922.

Our team

Dr. G. Elshout (co-promotor), g.elshout@erasmusmc.nl
Dr. A.M. Bohnen a.bohnen@erasmusmc.nl
Prof. Dr. P.J.E. Bindels, p.bindels@erasmusmc.nl (promotor)

Contact address for the project: astma@erasmusmc.nl.