UCSF Fresno Summer 2008 Research Project Application
Date Submitted: 12/21/2004| Faculty Name: | Michael Peterson |
| Faculty Appointment Title: | Professor of Medicine |
| Research Project Name: | Using a Computer-based Interactive Program to Develop Individualized Asthma Action Plans |
| Research Project Description | |
| 1. Please describe your interest/purpose in developing your research question. | |
| Asthma management remains poor and I have been interested for several years in devloping programs that will improve chronic disease management. | |
| 2. Will the student participate in the design of the experimental procedure? Yes | |
| 3. What are some unique learning experiences that a student researcher will participate in while working with you on your project? | |
| The student will learn the components of good asthma management, the steps in developing individual action plans for asthma, computer applications and information systems in healthcare. | |
| 4. Proposed student working timeframes and job duties. The student witll work 8-5 Monday through Friday. | |
| Are weekends free? Yes | |
| 5. Please list the direct faculty supervisor who will orient and work with the student. Michael Peterson | |
| How much faculty contact time will be available per week? 5 hours per week | |
| 6. What skills will the student researcher learn/obtain from working on your project? | |
| Teaching computer skills; disease management models; basic skills in outcomes measurements; statistical applications for clinical research. | |
| 7. Reading background required (if applicable)? Executive summary of the NAEP Asthma Guidelines | |
| 8. If human subjects are to be used, please list the protocol number (if applicable). pending | |
| Summary | |
| Asthma remains a large public health issue, especially in the Central Valley. Previous research has demonstrated the benefit of individualized asthma action plans in improving disease management. However, most primary care providers cannot afford the time and expertise required to develop individual action plans for their patients. Computers and computer networks offer us the opportunity to share this expertise across geographic barriers. Using an Internet-based interactive program, we will test the ability to develop and deliver individualized action plans and appropriate disease management suggestions in a primary care teaching clinic in internal medicine. We will measure outcomes that include compliance with guidelines, ER visits, hospitalizations and disease control. | |