What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for asthma include inhaled corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the airways, and beta agonists, which relax the muscles around the airways to improve airflow. Combination therapies, such as inhaled corticosteroids with long-acting beta agonists, provide both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects. The CANATEXTS trial emphasizes the use of an electronic asthma action plan (eAAP), disease-related education, and weekly SMS reminders to enhance self-management. This approach helps patients adhere to their treatment plans, recognize early signs of exacerbations, and take appropriate actions, ultimately improving asthma control and reducing the risk of severe exacerbations.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for asthma include inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), long-acting beta-agonists (LABA), and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA). ICS can cause side effects such as oral thrush, hoarseness, and, in long-term use, potential impacts on bone density and growth in children. LABAs may lead to muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, and, rarely, increased risk of asthma-related death if not used with ICS. LTRAs can cause headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances, and, in rare cases, mood changes. Telehealth interventions, like the CANATEXTS study, generally have minimal side effects but may include issues related to technology use, such as technical difficulties or reduced personal interaction.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several treatments for asthma that focus on self-management and patient education, similar to the CANATEXTS trial. These include digital health tools and mobile applications that provide electronic asthma action plans (eAAPs), educational resources, and reminders to improve medication adherence and symptom monitoring. Additionally, various biologics such as mepolizumab, dupilumab, and tezepelumab have been approved for severe asthma, offering targeted therapy options. These treatments aim to enhance patient engagement and self-management, reducing the risk of exacerbations and improving overall asthma control.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to CANATEXTS for asthma management in 2024 include: 1) AsthmaMD: A mobile app that allows patients to track symptoms, medication use, and peak flow readings, and share data with healthcare providers. 2) Propeller Health: A digital platform that uses sensor-equipped inhalers to monitor medication use and provide personalized feedback and reminders. 3) MyAsthma: An app that offers personalized asthma action plans, symptom tracking, and educational resources. 4) Health2Sync: A comprehensive health management app that includes asthma management features such as symptom tracking, medication reminders, and data sharing with healthcare providers.

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Telehealth Technology for Asthma Management

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Chris Carlsten, M.D.

Research Sponsored by University of British Columbia

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Must have moderate or severe asthma

Must be capable to communicate in English or French

Must not have

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up at the end of year 3 through year four of the intervention

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests a mobile app that helps adults with asthma manage their condition better. The app provides an electronic action plan and sends regular reminders to check asthma control. The goal is to see if this approach reduces asthma attacks and improves overall health.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults with moderate or severe asthma who have had at least one exacerbation in the past year, are on both reliever and controller medications, and can use a digital device with internet. They must be able to communicate in English or French but cannot participate if they have COPD.

What is being tested?

The CANATEXTS study tests whether a Telehealth intervention using an electronic asthma action plan (eAAP) via mobile devices, along with educational content and weekly reminders, can reduce asthma exacerbations over 12 months compared to standard written AAPs.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves non-medical interventions like text messaging and electronic plans rather than drugs, typical medication side effects are not expected. However, participants may experience issues related to technology use.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I have moderate or severe asthma.

Select...

I can communicate in English or French.

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I am prescribed both quick-relief and long-term asthma medications.

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I had at least one worsening of my condition in the last year.

Select...

I have been diagnosed with asthma.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ at the end of year 3 through year four of the intervention

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~at the end of year 3 through year four of the intervention

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and at the end of year 3 through year four of the intervention for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Exacerbation

Secondary study objectives

Asthma control

Medication adherence

Other study objectives

Cost effectiveness

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Intervention groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Intervention group/telehealth Arm: will be provided access to their electronic asthma action plan (eAAP) via a web Uniform Resource Locator (URL), receive weekly short message service (SMS) check-ins for one year, and be able to communicate with the site's research coordinator (RC) and Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE) via an integrated and interactive (two-way) SMS feature to manage their asthma

Group II: Control groupActive Control1 Intervention

Control group/standard care Arm: will receive their written Asthma Action Plan (wAAP) and information on how to use it by the site's Certified Respiratory Educator to manage their asthma

0 / 6Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for asthma include inhaled corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the airways, and beta agonists, which relax the muscles around the airways to improve airflow. Combination therapies, such as inhaled corticosteroids with long-acting beta agonists, provide both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects. The CANATEXTS trial emphasizes the use of an electronic asthma action plan (eAAP), disease-related education, and weekly SMS reminders to enhance self-management. This approach helps patients adhere to their treatment plans, recognize early signs of exacerbations, and take appropriate actions, ultimately improving asthma control and reducing the risk of severe exacerbations.

Combination formoterol and budesonide as maintenance and reliever therapy versus current best practice (including inhaled steroid maintenance), for chronic asthma in adults and children.