D2.85 - Living a Normal Life with Asthma: Development of a Conceptual Model

Asthma clinical trials typically include endpoints corresponding to a “decrease” in symptoms and daily life limitations. However, patient insight research suggests an “increase” in the ability to engage in activities and live normally are important treatment goals for patients. This research aimed to explore the patient experience of living normally with asthma.

A protocoled literature review was conducted to identify qualitative and quantitative research articles describing living normally with asthma, and challenges associated with this, from the patient’s perspective. Patient quotes and summaries informed development of a conceptual model.

Twenty-four primary research studies were identified. The resulting conceptual model comprises two main components: 1) "Living Normally with Asthma" depicts what patients perceive a 'normal life' with asthma to look like. Key concepts include improvement in symptoms, ability to perform daily activities, good physical health/functioning, improved sleep, ability to work and be financially stable, being mentally well, maintaining social activities and relationships, travelling, and significant life events; 2) “Challenges to Living Normally with Asthma” illustrates how patients perceive their life as “not normal” which, alongside negative impacts on the above concepts, also include coping strategies and engagement with treatment and healthcare. 

The conceptual model details the patient perception of living normally with asthma, including aspirations to live a normal life and challenges to achieving this. Next steps involve patient interviews to inform the model and ensure its comprehensiveness. The resulting model is intended to inform trial endpoints and measures that are more congruent with patients’ own disease perceptions and treatment goals.