Developing and testing materials

How were these materials developed?

How were the Spanish materials developed and reviewed?

How were these materials tested?

What about clinical accuracy of the materials?

How were the materials developed?

• The materials were developed in a highly collaborative process.  Under the direction and guidance of the Self-Management of Asthma Workgroup, the Provider Resources and Tools Workgroup, and the Oregon Asthma Program, many organizations and individuals throughout Oregon contributed to the development and refinement of the Oregon Asthma Resource Bank materials.
  

   

• Contributors are a diverse group. Participants include physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, health educators, community health organizations, clinic office managers, American Indian tribal coordinators, health plan quality improvement coordinators, environmental organizations, school staff, day care providers, people with asthma, and caregivers of people with asthma.
  

   

• Development was guided by needs assessment and extensive feedback from the intended users of the materials. The project began with a state-wide needs assessment survey to identify topics of highest priority and preferences for length, format, and other features of the materials. Following an extensive review of existing materials, the project decided to create a new set of one-page patient information sheets and other tools specifically for the resource bank. These new materials were written, tested, and revised with assistance from McGee & Evers Consulting, Inc.

How were the Spanish materials developed and reviewed?

• The Oregon Asthma Program extends thanks to the Controlling Asthma in American Cities Project (CAACP) in Chicago for their assistance in reviewing the Spanish materials.  Once translated, the materials were reviewed and revised by a committee made up of a broad range of representatives from the Spanish speaking community to ensure that they are culturally appropriate and easy to read.  

How were the materials tested?

• Draft versions were tested directly with consumers for appeal, comprehension, and ease of use. The materials were developed and revised based in part on the results from two rounds of individual interviews with consumers of different ages, backgrounds, and experience with asthma.
  

   

• Draft versions were also tested in a series of small group feedback sessions with clinicians, health educators, and others who are interested in using the materials with patients or clients. These sessions were held in a variety of urban and rural locations in Oregon. The group discussions provided helpful suggestions for improving the materials.
  

   

• The final materials were scored for difficulty of words and sentences using a readability formula. They scored as “easy” (4^th to 6^th grade) or “average” difficulty (7^th to 8^th grade) for words and sentences, depending on the piece. For details, click on this link: Scoring the materials for difficulty of words and sentences.

What about clinical accuracy of the materials?

• The materials are designed to be consistent with established national standards for treatment of asthma. Resource Bank materials are based on the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program’s (NAEPP) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, and the Guide to Improving Asthma Care in Oregon.
  

   

• The materials have been reviewed and approved by the State of Oregon Asthma Program’s Physician Advisory Group.
  

   

• Materials are reviewed and updated periodically. Please visit this website regularly to be sure that you are using the most recent versions of the materials.