A research project to evaluate the effect of spiritual healing on patients with asthma, funded by the Scottish Executive Chief Scientist Office, has created substantial local interest with over 240 volunteers taking part, since it began in April 2002.
Local medical practices are now working with the University of Aberdeen, which has achieved additional funding from the Grampian Primary Care NHS Trust, for more volunteers to take part in the study.
The Aberdeen Spiritual Healing in Asthma Study (ASHAS), the largest of is kind in the UK, has been undertaken with the backing of the University's Department of General Practice and Primary Care.
Volunteers with asthma are receiving treatment additional to their usual care prescribed by their GP, from a real healer, an actor, or an asthma-trained nurse.
With asthma affecting an estimated 3.4 million people in the UK, researchers at Aberdeen are working on the theory that some people's condition may be caused by changes in modern society. It is thought that reduced exposure to infections and a more sterile environment has led to some people's immune systems over-reacting when exposed to allergens such as house dust. House dust is a common trigger of some forms of asthma and thrives in warm, centrally heated houses.
David Price, General Practice Airways Group Professor of Primary Care Respiratory Medicine, said: "This ongoing study includes local GPs and a local spiritual healing practice. It is of interest to patients with asthma, as well as doctors and nurses who are looking after patients with asthma. We are very pleased with the interest and commitment shown and welcome the opportunity of additional funding for extra volunteers."
If you have been diagnosed with asthma for more than one year, are 16 years or older, preferably a non-smoker and your GP or asthma nurse has not yet mentioned the study to you - telephone (01224) 213808 with your name, address, postcode, telephone number and date of birth. (An answering service is available out-with practice hours, between 6.00pm-10.00am). Advertisements are being placed in the local Press.
Issued by Public Relations Office, External Relations, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen. Tel: (01224) 272960 Fax: (01224) 272086. Contact: Angela Begg.