Pulmonary & Respiratory Medicine

Application of Telemedicine for the Optimal Control of Asthma Patients

Abstract

Ángel Molina Cano, Francisco J Callejas González, Francisco Agustín, Josefa M Panisello Royo and Pedro J Tarraga López

Objective: To assess the impact of a telemedicine project that uses the Medtep platform in patients diagnosed with asthma. Method: An asthma consultation in the Integrated Care Management center of Albacete, in collaboration with the Pneumology department, which treat patients with possible asthma and/or acute asthma. In March of 2015 a group of 25 patients diagnosed with asthma, previously invited to participate in the study, were selected. Several training meetings were scheduled to assist them in using a web portal to control their asthma. They were also delivered a Peak-Flow and taught how it works. For 6 months clinical evolution and web portal entrances to follow. The data which was collected: smoking, how long they were diagnosed with asthma, asthma attacks, hospitalizations. Treatments- Evolution, According to patient level. Results: Out of the total 25 patients diagnosed, 17 (67%) were men and 8 (32%) women. The patient’s average age is of 34 years old. The total amount of smokers were 5 patients (20%), 3 of the remaining patients had never smoked. The average cigarette consumption of the smokers was of 2 packs a day. 42% had been diagnosed with asthma for less than 1 year; 20% between 1 and 5 years and the rest of patients had been diagnosed for over 5 years. Before entering the study, 50% had to attend emergency visits at least once (a year?), and some patients as much as 4 times in the last year. After entering the study, none of the patients had to attend ER visits. 80% of the total patients entered their health related data on a daily basis, as well as medication registers, which was above 95% in those who assiduously used the system. The total Peak flow of the patients saw an increase of 7% over baseline. More than 50% of patients increased their treatment before entering the study, and none and even 25% decreased their dose of treatment. 32% of patients have improved their level depending on the base treatment. Conclusions: Improvements in asthma control were achieved in patients who received Medtep Asthma support for 6 months, decreasing assistance in emergency services and, as a result, requiring less treatment.