SMART Strategy for Childhood Asthma
(SMART SIMPLE Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to improve how clinics adopt a specific asthma management strategy called SMART, which combines medication for both daily use and quick relief. Researchers are testing whether support from health workers and nurses, along with enhanced education (Clinical decision support + education, CDS+, and population health management, PHM), can help clinics better implement this strategy using electronic health records. The trial involves two groups: one receiving the intervention and another serving as a comparison. Children aged 5-18 with asthma that has been hard to control, especially those needing frequent medication adjustments, might be a good fit for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to improving asthma care strategies in clinics.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since it involves asthma management, you might continue with your prescribed inhaled corticosteroids or ICS-long-acting beta agonists.
What prior data suggests that this strategy is safe for childhood asthma management?
Research shows that decision-support tools for doctors, combined with asthma education, can improve asthma management. These tools help doctors make better treatment choices for asthma. Studies have found that this approach can reduce emergency visits for asthma patients, indicating that the treatment is generally safe and well-tolerated.
Furthermore, managing health at the community level with community health workers and nurse care managers has been linked to better health outcomes for asthma patients. This method provides additional support and education to patients.
No specific data indicates serious side effects from these interventions, suggesting they are likely safe to use. Since this trial focuses on implementing these strategies rather than testing a new drug, the risk of serious side effects is lower.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the SMART Strategy for Childhood Asthma because it offers a comprehensive approach beyond typical medication regimens. While standard asthma treatments often focus on inhalers and medications like corticosteroids, this strategy combines clinical decision support with education, and adds population health management involving community health workers and nurse care managers. This holistic method aims to improve asthma management by not only treating symptoms but also addressing broader healthcare engagement and education, potentially leading to better long-term outcomes for children.
What evidence suggests that this trial's interventions could be effective for childhood asthma?
This trial will compare the effectiveness of clinical decision support and education (CDS+) combined with population health management (PHM) against standard care. Research has shown that special tools and education can improve asthma management. These tools provide doctors with the latest information, aiding in better treatment decisions. Education helps patients understand and control their asthma. Support from community health workers and nurse care managers, known as population health management, can further enhance asthma care by offering personalized advice and follow-up. Together, these strategies aim to improve asthma control and reduce flare-ups, easing life for those with moderate to severe asthma.15678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for pediatric primary care clinics within the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia network that agree to participate in a study on asthma management. It focuses on children with moderate to severe asthma.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Interval 1: CDS+ Intervention
Implementation of clinical decision support and education strategies
Interval 2: CDS+ and PHM Intervention
Implementation of clinical decision support, education, and population health management strategies
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Clinical decision support + education (CDS+) and population health management (PHM)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Lead Sponsor
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborator