Breathe Easier Online

Description:

Breathe Easier Online is an interactive problem-solving program designed for children and adolescents with a chronic respiratory condition. The program includes a structured problem-solving training course as well as offering an opportunity to interact with peers. Information about different respiratory conditions is provided in the ‘My condition' section and the ‘My work' section includes 6 modules to teach you general and illness-specific problem solving skills. You complete each module systematically and homework activities are included to test your understanding. You can also post information about yourself on ‘My page' and communicate with other users via a discussion board or instant messenger in the ‘My talk' section. You are encouraged to record medications you take and record communication with other users in the ‘Daily diary'.  Access to the full interactive website is password protected and currently remains in the evaluation phase.

Service URL:

http://beo.psy.uq.edu.au

Agency Responsible:

University of Queensland.

Details

Format:

Website.

Intervention Type:

Psychological - Problem solving.

Course Length:

Long (more than 5 modules).

Support Option:

Program guidance. Online communication with peers and research staff

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Physical Health. Chronic Respiratory Condition

Target Audiences:

Child and Adolescent.

Language:

English.

Access

Fee:

Fee-based.

Access:

Closed: Research participation.

Contact Details:

newc@psy.uq.edu.au

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Research RCTs:

1

Outcome Summary:

The effectiveness of Breathe Easier Online has been tested in an initial randomised controlled trial. Participants were randomised to either an intervention condition or wait-list control. However, no significant differences were found between the two groups on the primary outcome measures of depressive symptoms and social problem solving skills. Nevertheless, further analyses did indicate that among the intervention group, depression scores were significantly lower following the intervention than at baseline - and no such differences were evident in the wait-list control group. Similarly, those in the intervention group were significantly less likely to report impulsive/careless problem solving style following the intervention than at baseline - and again no such change occurred among the controls. Therefore, although this study failed to provide conclusive supporting evidence in favour of the program, some positive outcomes were demonstrated.

Recommended rating, reviewer 1:

Recommended rating, reviewer 2:

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Research paper citations

Newcombe, P.A., Dunn, T.L., Casey, L.M., Sheffield, J.K., Petsky, H., Anderson-James, S., Chang, A.B. (2012) Breathe easier online: evaluation of a randomized controlled pilot trial of an internet-based intervention to improve well-being in children and adolescents with a chronic respiratory condition. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 14(1): e23.