A secondary analysis of the NOVELTY study to investigate the relationship between treatable traits and health-related quality of life, asthma control, and the frequency of asthma exacerbations in adults with asthma managed in primary care

Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs and makes it hard to breathe. Asthma affects millions of people, yet the way it is managed needs significant improvement. Every day, four people die from asthma in the UK, and studies have shown that many of these deaths could have been avoided. Compared to other wealthy countries, the UK has some of the highest rates of hospital admissions and deaths due to asthma.

Currently, asthma care takes a "one-size-fits-all" approach, treating patients as though they all respond in the same way. This old-fashioned method doesn’t take advantage of modern scientific advances that focus on tailoring treatments to each person’s needs.

A Personalised Approach to Asthma Management
People with asthma vary greatly. For example, some may have allergies, or difficulty using their inhalers (a device that delivers their asthma medication) properly, while others might have other conditions like obesity or hay fever. These specific characteristics, known as "treatable traits," can be identified and addressed to create personalised care plans. This method, called the treatable traits approach, ensures that treatment is better suited to each person’s unique needs.

Why Isn’t This Approach Used in the Community?
In asthma, the treatable traits approach has only been tested in people with severe disease who are cared for in specialist clinics. However, most adults with asthma receive their care in community settings, where this personalised method isn’t yet being used. Adapting the treatable traits approach so it can be used in primary care, will provide personalised management for adults with asthma in the community.

In this study, we will investigate which treatable traits should be prioritised in primary care. We will use existing data from the NOVELTY study, a large, international cohort which collected data on thirty treatable traits in adults with asthma over three years. By investigating the relationship between the treatable traits and clinical outcomes including quality of life, asthma control and asthma attacks, we will understand which treatable traits are most important to address in adults with asthma in primary care.

We will use the findings to adapt the treatable traits approach for adults with asthma in primary care.