What is the BreathHeroes study about?
The BreathHeroes study is for children aged 2–18 years who are admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties. This may be caused by an asthma attack or a viral infection that causes wheezing.
Doctors and nurses regularly check how each child is doing. Based on these checks, they decide whether medicines that open the airways need to be given more or less often. Hospitals do not all use the same approach when making these decisions.
In this study, we compare these different approaches to find out which one provides the best care for children with breathing difficulties.
Why is this study important?
Medicines that open the airways help children breathe more easily and often help them recover more quickly.
These medicines are used every day in hospitals. However, we do not yet know the best way to decide when a child needs the medicine less often or when the treatment can be stopped.
In this study, we compare different ways of providing care that are already used in hospitals. The results may help us improve care for children with breathing difficulties, both in the Netherlands and in other countries.
No new or experimental treatment
It is important to know that:
- no new medicines are being tested;
- no experimental treatments are being used;
- all care provided during the study is routine hospital care.
The study only compares different approaches that are already being used in hospitals.
Can my child take part?
Your child may be able to take part if:
- your child is between 2 and 18 years old;
- your child has been admitted to a children’s ward because of:
- an asthma attack;
- wheezing caused by a viral infection; or
- a chest infection that causes wheezing.
Your child cannot take part if:
- taking part would not be suitable because of your child’s medical condition;
- your child has a serious condition or was born with a long-term health condition, such as a serious heart, lung, neurological or muscle condition;
- your child has taken part in the BreathHeroes study before.
How can my child take part?
Participation is arranged through your child’s doctor. If your child is eligible for the study, the doctor will give you a QR code that you can use to register.
What does taking part involve?
If your child takes part:
- information from your child’s medical records will be used for the study;
- you are asked to complete short questionnaires during your child’s hospital stay and one questionnaire 28 days after discharge;
- your child will receive the usual treatment appropriate for their condition.
Your child may not benefit directly from taking part. However, your participation will help us improve care for children with breathing difficulties, both now and in the future.
Taking part is entirely voluntary. You can withdraw your child from the study at any time, without this affecting their treatment.
How is my (child’s) privacy protected?
We handle personal information with great care.
We only collect the information needed to answer the research questions, such as:
- age;
- diagnosis;
- medicines given during the hospital stay;
- length of hospital stay.
All information will be stored without your or your child’s name and cannot be directly linked to you or them. All information will be stored securely and handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
The information will only be used for scientific research related to this study.
Other questions
Who can take part?
Cildren aged 2–18 years who have been admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties.
What is the study about?
Various common ways to adjust bronchodilator medications.
Are any new medicines being tested?
No.
Are any additional hospital visits required?
No.
Are there any questionnaires?
Yes, during the hospital stay and approximately 28 days after discharge.
Can we withdraw from the study?
Yes, at any time and without consequences for your child's treatment.