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Phone support to help anxious asthma patients use their inhalers

Plain-English translation of NCT06732141 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial, called RAMICS, is testing whether personalized phone coaching can help asthma patients who struggle to use their inhaled corticosteroid inhalers because of anxiety about side effects. The study will provide weekly 30-minute phone calls for 8 weeks that include education about the medication, relaxation exercises, motivational support, and lung health guidance. The goal is to help people feel more confident using their inhaler and to reduce both anxiety and asthma symptoms.

Many asthma patients don't use their prescribed inhalers regularly because they worry about side effects or long-term risks — and this anxiety keeps their asthma poorly controlled. This trial aims to show that combining psychological support with medication education over the phone can address both the anxiety and the poor adherence, leading to better asthma control and quality of life.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 80 years old
you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate asthma that is stable (confirmed by a specialist within the past 6 months)
you have been on inhaled corticosteroid therapy for at least 6 months without major medication changes
you do not take your inhaler regularly, as measured by a standard adherence scale
you experience clinically significant anxiety specifically related to asthma treatment or concerns about inhaler side effects
you have reliable access to a phone and are willing to participate in weekly phone sessions

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a severe psychiatric disorder (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression) diagnosed in the past 6 months
you have cognitive impairment or neurological conditions that would affect your ability to participate
you have a history of substance or alcohol abuse in the past 6 months
you have severe lung or heart disease that is not well controlled, such as COPD, heart failure, or severe high blood pressure
you are currently taking antipsychotic, antidepressant, or sedative medications that could interfere with the study

What participation looks like

If you qualify, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives weekly 30-minute phone calls for 8 weeks with a trained counselor who will teach you about your medication, guide you through relaxation exercises, use motivational techniques, and provide lung health guidance. The other group receives standard weekly check-in calls about your asthma symptoms and medication use without the additional psychological support. Both groups will have their asthma control, anxiety levels, and quality of life assessed immediately after the 8-week period and again 3 months later.

Phone support to help anxious asthma patients use their inhalers

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(11 sites)