Improving knowledge and decreasing depressive symptoms in caregivers of children with asthma through the asthma academy: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background: Caregivers of children with asthma demonstrate higher levels of anxious and depressive symptoms when compared to caregivers of healthy children. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to: 1) Evaluate feasibility and acceptability of two nurse-led, remotely offered interventions for caregivers of children with asthma; 2) Compare effectiveness of two interventions (a virtual education session and a virtual education session supplemented with a telehealth visit) in relation to caregiver outcomes, and 3) Assess the preliminary effect of the interventions on caregivers’ knowledge of asthma, sleep, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used inclusive of a qualitative, descriptive design and randomized controlled trial design. Caregivers were provided virtual education and telehealth visits and evaluated from pre-posttest. Results: The intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable. Both the virtual education session and telehealth visit were effective. The intervention had a significant effect on caregiver's asthma knowledge and depressive symptoms (p Conclusions: Remotely conducted, nurse-led interventions such as virtual education sessions and telehealth visits are a feasible, acceptable, and effective way to improve caregiver outcomes.