Telehealth Enhanced Asthma Management

Telehealth Enhanced Asthma Management

This study will conduct a 12-month randomized trial with 48 pediatric patients (aged 6-18 years) with persistent asthma to compare outcomes among patients with follow-up visits managed via telemedicine (TM) vs. in-person (IP) visits.

The overarching hypothesis is that utilization of TM for asthma follow-up will result in improved clinical outcomes such as Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores, lung function and medication adherence compared to participants receiving IP follow-up care. The Investigator also hypothesize that TM follow-up will result in higher caregiver satisfaction because families will be able to receive quality subspecialty care in their community (TM) compared to those who travel a distance to receive care (IP).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age ≥6- and ≤18 years
2. persistent asthma as defined by national guidelines standards
3. receives care at an ACH asthma subspecialty clinic
4. reside ≤1.5 hour drive from Jonesboro, Springdale, Texarkana, or Fort Smith, AR

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Significant underlying respiratory disease other than asthma, such as cystic fibrosis
2. significant co-morbid conditions, such as individuals with developmental or physical impairments that could interfere with the ability to communicate via interactive video
3. current smoker
4. severe asthma exacerbation requiring intubation in the past 12 months
5. no access to a smartphone or internet