Telemanagement in asthma: an innovative and effective approach

Abstract

Purpose of review: Information and communication technology (ICT) could potentially help to reduce the considerable burden of asthma that still exists despite wide availability of effective therapies. Telemanagement is an interactive and proactive management approach consisting of an ongoing partnership of patients and professionals supported by ICT and focused on clinical outcomes and patient goals in the individual. This review highlights recent developments in telemanagement in the ongoing management of patients with asthma focused on the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and implementation of telemanagement in asthma care.

Recent findings: An increasing number of studies address the effectiveness of components or a comprehensive telemanagement intervention in children and adults with mild to severe asthma. Telemanagement of asthma in the individual patient includes key components of asthma management, such as education, self-monitoring, goal setting, written action plans and regular medical review. Such a comprehensive telemanagement approach is effective in improving quality of life and clinical outcomes, especially in adult patients with moderate to severe asthma.

Conclusion: Telemanagement of asthma can be an effective and cost-effective approach tailored to the individual patient needs. More research is needed on the long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of telemanagement of patients with asthma under real-world conditions and on effective implementation strategies.