The Role of Education, Monitoring, and Symptom Perception in Internet-Based Self-management Among Adolescents With Asthma: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Internet-based self-management programs improve asthma control and the asthma-related quality of life in adults and adolescents. The components of self-management programs include education and the web-based self-monitoring of symptoms; the latter requires adequate perception in order to timely adjust lifestyle or medication or to contact a care provider.

Objective: We aimed to test the hypothesis that adherence to education and web-based monitoring and adequate symptom perception are important determinants for the improvement of asthma control in self-management programs.

Internet-Based Self-Management Support After High-Altitude Climate Treatment for Severe Asthma: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: In patients with severe asthma, high-altitude climate treatment has been shown to improve asthma control. However, asthma symptoms and limitations may increase after finishing inpatient rehabilitation programs and returning to sea level.

Objective: We assessed the effectiveness of a patient-tailored, internet-based, self-management strategy in addition to usual care after finishing high-altitude climate treatment.

Cost-effectiveness of FENO-based and web-based monitoring in paediatric asthma management: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: In children with asthma, web-based monitoring and inflammation-driven therapy may lead to improved asthma control and reduction in medications. However, the cost-effectiveness of these monitoring strategies is yet unknown.

Objective: We assessed the cost-effectiveness of web-based monthly monitoring and of 4-monthly monitoring of FENO as compared with standard care.

Validity and usability of low-cost accelerometers for internet-based self-monitoring of physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: The importance of regular physical activity for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is well-established. However, many patients do not meet the recommended daily amount. Accelerometers might provide patients with the information needed to increase physical activity in daily life.

Long-term outcomes of internet-based self-management support in adults with asthma: randomized controlled trial.

Background: Long-term asthma management falls short of the goals set by international guidelines. The Internet is proposed as an attractive medium to support guided self-management in asthma. Recently, in a multicenter, pragmatic randomized controlled parallel trial with a follow-up period of 1 year, patients were allocated Internet-based self-management (IBSM) support (Internet group [IG]) or usual care (UC) alone.

Development and validation of a 5-day-ahead hay fever forecast for patients with grass-pollen-induced allergic rhinitis.

One-third of the Dutch population suffers from allergic rhinitis, including hay fever. In this study, a 5-day-ahead hay fever forecast was developed and validated for grass pollen allergic patients in the Netherlands. Using multiple regression analysis, a two-step pollen and hay fever symptom prediction model was developed using actual and forecasted weather parameters, grass pollen data and patient symptom diaries.

Difference in symptom severity between early and late grass pollen season in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Background: For the development of forecasts for seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms, it is essential to understand the relationship between grass pollen concentrations and the symptoms of grass pollen allergic patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to delineate this relationship between seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms and grass pollen concentrations in the Netherlands.

Methods: Grass pollen allergic patients (n = 80 [2007] - 84 [2008]) were enrolled into the study.