Table 6 Theme 4: views of family on improvements noted in the participants

Physical health improvements for patient

Reduction in daily asthma symptoms

“The most significant thing you have in life is to be able to breathe, to be able to walk around and unable to breathe for how many years, fifty two years?” [S14]

Decreased exacerbations and hospitalisations

“There haven’t been any hospital trips whereas before it was quite regular, every two or three months she’d be in hospital, and I’d be looking after the kids and trying to work and that.” [S8]

Able to be more physically active

“We do something which is run-walking, so you do a run and space it out with a walk and run. I would say before when she was on medication, she wouldn’t be able to do it, whereas now I can’t keep up with her.” [S23]

Fewer/less severe colds/chest infections

“If you have anything it might be a cough … nose-blowing but nothing like you used to.” [S12]

Mental health improvements for patient

Feeling more confident

“I’ve not noticed you worry that if you’re a little bit off that would turn into something more massive. I think you’re more confident that you can deal with it now, rather than before you were quite worried about these things.” [S9]

Feeling happier

“I think generally now we see a much happier person.” [S2]

Less worried

“You don’t have to worry about it so therefore you’re more relaxed.” [S17]

Impact for family member themselves

Less worry/stress for family

“She’d worry because if she was poorly and the kids were at school and needed to be picked up I’d have to come away from work and then I’d be worried that I’d have to make up the time and she’d be worried that I was worried about that. It’s made a big difference.” [S8]