Paediatric Asthma and Wheeze Study - Part 2

Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children. Yet, identifying wheeze is challenging for parents (disagreement rate between doctors and parents are >50%) and indeed many cultures (including Indigenous Aus) do not have a word for wheeze. Our multicentre study addresses the need to define wheeze accurately using digital technology. We will use WheezeScan (WzS) digital technology during face-to-face clinics as well as remotely (child’s home) in Queensland (including outreach clinics), Darwin and Sydney. In 125 children aged <12 years with asthma, we aim to evaluate the impact of using WzS impacts upon asthma control assessment, PROs, self-efficacy scale and health cost. WzS’s dependable accuracy will provide parents/caregivers and doctors the ability to discern if a child is wheezing-subsequently providing the confidence and clarity over the next steps that need actioning. Our study will lead to more accurate assessment of asthma control, thus resulting in improved management. Asthma guidelines identify that the primary goal of management is achieving good asthma control, thus reducing the risk of exacerbations.