eAMS-Eco: Implementation of a Tool for Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing
This study is testing a new computer tool, eAMS-Eco, which helps doctors manage asthma. The goal is to see if this 'eco' version of the tool can help reduce the carbon footprint of inhalers used by patients in everyday doctor's surgeries. The eAMS-Eco gives doctors information about how different inhalers affect the environment and helps them talk about these choices with patients. Researchers will compare inhaler prescriptions, costs, carbon emissions, and how well patients' asthma is controlled before and after the new tool is introduced in four GP practices. They will also gather feedback from doctors and see how much the new tool is used.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You might know that looking after our planet is really important, and that includes how healthcare affects the environment. This study is all about making asthma care more eco-friendly, specifically by looking at different types of inhalers. Some inhalers use gases that can contribute to climate change, while others don't have this effect. The good news is that both types of inhalers can be just as good at helping you manage your asthma. Most of the time, inhalers that are better for the environment work just as well as others and are just as easy to use.
Researchers have developed a special computer tool called eAMS-Eco. This tool helps doctors make decisions about asthma medications based on your personal needs. For example, it considers how well your asthma is controlled and your risk of flare-ups. The eAMS-Eco now also includes information about the environmental impact of different inhalers. This means it can help your doctor choose an inhaler that's good for you and better for the planet at the same time. The tool even offers conversation starters to help you and your doctor talk about these choices.
This study will look at four GP practices that already use a similar computer tool. They will introduce the new eAMS-Eco tool and then compare what happens before and after it's introduced. They'll check things like what types of inhalers are prescribed, how much carbon these inhalers produce, how much they cost, and importantly, how well patients' asthma is managed. They'll also ask doctors what they think of the new tool and how often they use it. The main aim is to see if this new eco-friendly approach can help reduce the environmental impact of asthma care without affecting the quality of your treatment.
Key takeaways
- New computer tool (eAMS-Eco) helps doctors choose eco-friendly inhalers.
- Aims to reduce carbon emissions from asthma inhalers.
- No direct patient participation required; study observes doctor prescribing habits.
- Maintains high-quality asthma care while being mindful of the environment.
- Compares data from before and after the new tool is introduced in GP practices.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you don't actually do anything extra. This study isn't about you taking new medication or having different tests. Instead, it's about looking at information from your medical records and your doctor's prescribing habits.
Your doctor can take part if they work at one of the four specific GP practices involved in the study during the study period. So, if your doctor is at one of these practices, they might be using the new computer tool.
Patients are included in the study if they are registered at one of these four GP practices, have been diagnosed with asthma, and have received an inhaler prescription in the last year. This means the study will be looking at existing anonyimised data for patients aged 16 and over.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a patient at one of the four GP practices involved in the study?
- Do you have a diagnosis of asthma?
- Have you been prescribed an inhaler in the last year?
- Are you aged 16 or over?
What does participation involve?
If you are a patient at one of the participating GP practices, you won't need to do anything extra or have any special appointments. The study is passively observing what happens in these clinics as doctors use the new tool. Your daily care will continue as normal. Doctors at these practices will use the eAMS-Eco tool during your regular appointments, which is a bit like a helpful pop-up on their computer screen during your consultation. The study will then look at general trends in prescriptions and asthma control across the practice before and after the tool was put in place. This study focuses on how the tool changes doctors' decisions, not on individual patient participation.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- Taddle Creek Family Health Team (Bay Street)Verified postcodeToronto, Canada
- Sinai Health Family Health Team (Toronto Site)Verified postcodeToronto, Canada
- Taddle Creek Family Health Team (Bloor Street)Verified postcodeToronto, Canada
- Sinai Health Family Health Team (Vaughan Site)Verified postcodeVaughan, Canada
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to see if a new computer tool can help doctors choose asthma inhalers that are better for the environment, without affecting the quality of asthma care.
Will I have to take part or do anything differently?
No, as a patient, you won't have to do anything extra. The study is about how doctors use a new computer tool in their regular appointments, not about you trying new treatments.
What is an 'eco' inhaler?
An 'eco' inhaler generally means one that has a lower impact on the environment, typically because it doesn't use certain propellant gases found in some traditional inhalers.
Will my asthma care change because of this study?
The study aims to maintain quality asthma care while also considering environmental factors. Your doctor will still make decisions based on what's best for your asthma.
Who is eligible for this study?
This study looks at information from patients aged 16 and over who are diagnosed with asthma, have used an inhaler, and are registered at one of the four participating GP practices.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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