Extrait

Background and study aims This study aims to find out whether writing to a whole group of patients and advising them to take probiotics (microbes that may have health benefits) throughout the colder half of the year might be an effective measure in reducing the need for antibiotics and visits to the doctor for respiratory infections. Who can participate? All people on the asthmatic register for the participating clinic are eligible to take part in the study. What does the study involve? Participants will automatically be sent the advice leaflets at the same time as they are sent their annual influenza vaccination invite. Half of the participants will receive the standard advice leaflet which gives advice on getting annual influenza vaccinations, good hygiene measures, and making sure their asthma control/inhaler technique is checked. The other half will receive a leaflet containing all of this advice plus some additional advice about taking probiotics. This additional advice group will receive vouchers enabling them to receive the probiotic for free, through the company that makes it, Cultech. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Probiotics have an excellent safety record and are widely available over the counter. Risks to participants are therefore minimal. Where is the study run from? Ashfields Primary Care Centre, Sandbach (UK). When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study will take place from October 2013 to March 2014. Who is funding the study? The vouchers and free probiotics are funded by Cultech (UK). All other costs are self-funded by the investigators. Who is the main contact? Dr Tim Smith [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Asthma

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn