Pulmonary researchers at the Mayo Clinic have developed a web-based computer education program to teach asthma sufferers how to better manage their disease. The interactive program, called CASPER (Computerized Asthma Self-management Program and Educational Resource for Adults), asks questions following a story about a familiar asthma event. After the patient chooses an answer, CASPER gives comments that explain which answer is best for that scenario and also provides information about why the other answer choices are not as effective.
CASPER has been tested by the Mayo Clinic, and was found to be effective overall. The story-based format and use of Q&A structure were listed as CASPER’s strengths through studies investigating its effectiveness.
Researchers say that this type of education is needed because learning how to manage asthma can be challenging for patients due to thewide range of triggering events and the number of medications available.
