title: Development of a web-based, work-related asthma educational tool for patients with asthma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Asthma is a common chronic condition. Work-related asthma (WRA) has a large socioeconomic impact and is increasing in prevalence but remains under-recognized. Although international guidelines recommend patient education, no widely available educational tool exists.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To develop a WRA educational website for adults with asthma.
  
  
  METHODS
  An evidence-based database for website content was developed, which applied evidence-based website design principles to create a website prototype. This was subsequently tested and serially revised according to patient feedback in three moderated phases (one focus group and two interview phases), followed by face validation by asthma educators.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients (n=10) were 20 to 28 years of age; seven (70%) were female, three (30%) were in university, two (20%) were in college and five (50%) were currently employed. Key format preferences included: well-spaced, bulleted text; movies (as opposed to animations); photos (as opposed to cartoons); an explicit listing of website aims on the home page; and an exploding tab structure. Participants disliked integrated games and knowledge quizzes. Desired informational content included a list of triggers, prevention⁄control methods, currently available tools and resources, a self-test for WRA, real-life scenario presentations, compensation information, information for colleagues on how to react during an asthma attack and a WRA discussion forum.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The website met the perceived needs of young asthmatic patients. This resource could be disseminated widely and should be tested for its effects on patient behaviour, including job choice, workplace irritant⁄allergen avoidance and⁄or protective equipment, asthma medication use and physician prompting for management of WRA symptoms.
authors.forename: Shadi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ghajar-Khosravi
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Tarlo
authors.forename: Gary M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Liss
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chignell
authors.forename: Marcos
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Levinson
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gupta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D059366:Asthma, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*