Luchtbrug Junior: the Next Step

Rationale: The introduction of e-health in the monitoring and management of patients with chronic conditions can be beneficial and efficient. The introduction of an online monitoring and management tool, "Luchtbrug", for children 6-16 yrs of age with asthma while reducing 50% of visits to the outpatient clinic, results in similar or improved asthma control while reducing costs. It is highly likely that this concept of e-health is suitable for other chronic conditions. Therefore the aim of the study is to investigate the added value of online monitoring and management of children with preschool wheeze (2-6 yrs of age). Objective: To assess whether the number of symptom free days can be improved using online monitoring and disease management via Luchtbrug Junior, while reducing the number of outpatient clinic visits by 50% Study design: Prospective multicentre (n=6) randomised trial in which disease management via Luchtbrug Junior will be compared with usual care. Follow-up: 12 months. Study population: children aged 2-6 yrs with preschool wheezing (multiple episode of cough, wheeze and dyspnoea). Intervention (if applicable): Children will be randomised into usual care (n=135) or partly online care via Luchtbrug Junior (n = 135) Main study parameters/endpoints: Primary objective: Number of symptom free days (SFDs) based on the TRACK questionnaire, during the last four weeks of the study (measured at 12 months). Secondary objectives: Healthcare consumption: unscheduled visits Emergency Department (ED) or outpatient clinic, unscheduled phone calls, hospital admissions) Questionnaires into: Quality of Life (QoL), cost-effectiveness (direct and indirect costs), self-management of patients, adherence to treatment, satisfaction of parents/caregivers. Usual care consists of regular visits to the outpatient clinic every 3 months after starting the study. In between visits contact with the healthcare team is by telephone as needed. At 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, patient