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. 2020 Jun;57(6):638-644.
doi: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1590597. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

Reference range number line format preferred by adults for display of asthma control status

Adriana Arcia  1 , Maureen George  1
Affiliations

Reference range number line format preferred by adults for display of asthma control status

Adriana Arcia et al. J Asthma. 2020 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: Optimal asthma self-management requires an accurate understanding of one's asthma control status. Tailored infographics are a promising way of conveying status information but little is known about which formats are effective at supporting comprehension while also being appealing to adults with asthma.Methods: In this focus group study, we compared two formats to display Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) scores: a stoplight graphic and a reference range number line (RRNL).Results: Both formats supported comprehension but the RRNL was strongly preferred for its informativeness and for cueing participants to consider the self-management strategies they should undertake to improve their asthma control.Conclusions: The RRNL format may have broad appeal and can be adapted to numerous clinical variables for low health literacy patient-facing displays, as in patient portals. However, until viewers are familiar with the format, use as a communication tool in the context of a clinical visit is recommended to forestall undue alarm over abnormal/out-of-range values.

Keywords: Self-management; comprehension; focus groups; health communication; health literacy; infographics.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interest:

The corresponding author serves as an advisor to Astra Zeneca and on Advisory Board to Teva. The co-author reports no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Asthma control status displayed using two formats: reference range number line (RRNL) at left; stoplight graphic at right.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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