Asthma Australia and the University of Newcastle are inviting adults with asthma to take part in a national digital trial designed to make day-to-day asthma management easier.
The trial will test a new digital support system made up of tools, telehealth services and personalised resources to help people better self-manage their asthma, no matter where they live.
One in nine Australians- nearly 2.8 million-have asthma and around half live with poorly controlled symptoms at any given time.
In 2022-23, more than 31,000 people were hospitalised for asthma and approximately 97,000 presented to emergency departments. More than 90 per cent of these hospitalisations could have be prevented with better asthma management. In 2024, 478 people tragically lost their lives due to asthma.
Dr Dennis Thomas, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Newcastle and with HMRI’s* Breathing and Lung Research Program, said the burden of asthma was unacceptably high.
“Although medications and devices are effective, most patients do not use them appropriately or adequately, leading to poor asthma control and flare-ups. This study will test whether a comprehensive digital model of care can make it easier for people to manage asthma day-to-day, no matter where they live.”
Asthma Australia is supporting the study and contributing expertise through its Asthma Connect app, which will form part of the digital tools being tested to help people manage asthma more effectively.
The study is now recruiting adults aged 18 years and over diagnosed with asthma who own a smartphone. Recruitment has opened and will be continue to June 2027. Participants can enrol for free from anywhere in Australia and complete the trial via telehealth at times that suit them.
Participants will be asked to use the digital toolkit regularly over the study period, complete brief check-ins or surveys and engage in telehealth appointments with asthma educators and an asthma doctor.
The expected time commitment is approximately 2.5 hours over the 12‑month study period to participate in phone interviews, with an additional 2.5 hours required for asthma education during the first three months of the study. Participants will be reimbursed for their time spent attending study interviews.
Participants randomised to the intervention arm will receive:
- Free access to a comprehensive, purpose-built digital asthma management package.
- Free telehealth support from asthma educators and an asthma doctor.
- Free tools to make asthma management easier, including symptom tracking, monitoring, medicine reminders, behaviour-based goal setting and personalised action planning.
- Free evidence-based information and resources curated by asthma educators.
CEO of Asthma Australia Kate Miranda said, “This trial is about making day-to-day asthma management easier and giving people more confidence, control and peace of mind. People with asthma tell us they need practical support to manage their condition – tools they can rely on when they are worried about their breathing. Imagine an app that tracks symptoms, reminds you to take your medicine, helps you plan your care, and connects you with advice.”
How to register
Adults interested in taking part can register by:
