Co-developing a qualitative study with expert patients to explore experiences of supported asthma self-management in the IMP²ART trial

01 Apr 2024
Introduction: The IMPlementing IMProved Asthma self-management as RouTine (IMP²ART) trial is testing the effectiveness of a theoretically-informed strategy to improve implementation of supported self-management in general practice. To understand the overall impact of IMP²ART it is important to capture patient experiences of supported self-management, so we worked with our Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) colleagues to explore how a study should be conducted. Aim: To co-develop research themes with PPI colleagues to inform the design of a qualitative patient interview study to be conducted within the IMP²ART trial. Methods: Colleagues were purposively recruited from the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research PPI Group and contributed on-line semi-structured discussions. Discussions were recorded so that suggested themes could be identified and potential questions prepared for topic guides in the proposed qualitative study. Results: Eight PPI colleagues contributed. They expressed interest and support for the proposed qualitative study. Healthcare usage did not consistently reflect perceptions of asthma control. Self-management encompassed lifestyle changes broader than medication adherence, and patients make trade-offs to avoid unscheduled care to manage asthma in the context of their lives. Professional support for self-management is not viewed as essential for all patients and guidance is not routinely welcomed, though action plans are generally considered useful. The relationship with healthcare professionals is ideally a partnership to which patients bring expertise of their own asthma and professionals contribute resources and specialist knowledge. Discussion: Discussions with PPI colleagues suggested four themes on supported self-management that could be explored in future qualitative interviews: (1) diverse perceptions of well-controlled asthma; (2) mixed ideas of expertise and responsibility; (3) tick-box reviews could be a barrier to self-management; and (4) action plans are universally useful. Collaborating with PPI colleagues on study plans and research themes enhanced relevance of research and informed an initial analysis framework. Funder:NIHR PGfAR[RP-PG-1016-20008]

Resource information

Respiratory conditions
  • Asthma
Respiratory topics
  • Disease management
Type of resource
IPCRG Prize Winning Abstract
Conference
Athens 2024
Author(s)
Ramya Kottapalli1, Brigitte Delaney2, Jessica Sheringham3, Emma Kinley4, Laura Bond4, Hilary Pinnock4 1Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom, 2School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom, 3Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom, 4Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom