Exploring the Efficacy of Telemedicine in Pediatric Asthma Management: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Pasquale Rogulj^*
*Correspondence: Pasquale Rogulj, Department of Educational Sciences, Section of Psychology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy, Email:

Keywords

Telemedicine • Pediatric asthma • Asthma management

Introduction

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions among children, affecting millions worldwide and posing a significant burden on healthcare systems. Effective asthma management requires regular monitoring, medication adherence, and timely intervention to prevent exacerbations and improve quality of life. However, access to asthma care remains a challenge for many children, particularly those residing in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine, defined as the remote delivery of healthcare services using telecommunications technology, offers a potential solution to overcome barriers to access and improve asthma management outcomes in pediatric populations. Despite growing interest in telemedicine for asthma care, rigorous evaluation of its efficacy and feasibility in pediatric settings is limited. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial aims to explore the efficacy of telemedicine in pediatric asthma management compared to standard in-person care [1].

Literature Review

This randomized controlled trial aimed to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of telemedicine in pediatric asthma management compared to standard in-person care. Children aged 5 to 12 years with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma were recruited from various healthcare settings, including primary care clinics, pediatric practices, and academic medical centers. The study population encompassed a diverse range of socioeconomic backgrounds and geographic locations to ensure broad generalizability of the findings [2]. Upon enrollment, participants underwent baseline assessments, including demographic information, medical history, asthma severity, and baseline asthma control status. Eligible participants were then randomized into two study arms: the telemedicine group and the standard care group. Randomization was stratified by key variables such as age, asthma severity, and geographic location to ensure balanced allocation between the two groups.

The telemedicine intervention utilized a multifaceted approach to deliver comprehensive asthma care remotely. Participants assigned to the telemedicine group received access to a secure telehealth platform through which they could schedule virtual consultations with healthcare providers, including pediatricians, asthma specialists, and nurse educators. During these telehealth visits, participants and caregivers received individualized asthma management guidance, including medication adjustments, inhaler technique demonstrations, and personalized action plans for asthma exacerbations. In addition to synchronous video consultations, participants in the telemedicine group were provided with electronic tools for remote symptom monitoring, such as digital peak flow meters or symptom diaries, which allowed for real-time tracking of asthma symptoms and triggers. Furthermore, participants received educational materials and resources tailored to their age and literacy level to enhance asthma self-management skills and empower them to take an active role in their care [3].

The standard care group received conventional asthma management delivered through in-person clinic visits according to established guidelines. These visits typically involved face-to-face consultations with healthcare providers, physical examinations, spirometry testing, and review of asthma action plans. Participants in the standard care group were encouraged to adhere to their scheduled clinic appointments and follow their prescribed asthma treatment regimen as per usual practice [4].

Discussion

Outcome assessments were conducted at multiple time points throughout the study period to evaluate various domains of asthma management. Primary outcome measures included asthma control, assessed using validated instruments such as the Asthma Control Test (ACT) or Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT). Secondary outcome measures encompassed healthcare utilization metrics, including rates of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and unscheduled healthcare encounters related to asthma exacerbations. Additionally, medication adherence was assessed through selfreported adherence measures, pharmacy refill data, or electronic monitoring devices. Quality of life was evaluated using disease-specific quality of life questionnaires, such as the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) [5].

Statistical analyses were conducted to compare outcomes between the telemedicine and standard care groups, employing appropriate inferential tests (e.g., t-tests, chi-square tests) and regression models to adjust for potential confounders. Non-inferiority or equivalence testing was performed to assess whether telemedicine was as effective as standard care in achieving predefined clinical thresholds for asthma control. Subgroup analyses were planned to explore the impact of key variables (e.g., age, asthma severity) on treatment outcomes and identify potential moderators of treatment response. Overall, this randomized controlled trial aimed to provide robust evidence regarding the efficacy and feasibility of telemedicine in pediatric asthma management, addressing critical gaps in knowledge and informing clinical practice guidelines for the delivery of asthma care in pediatric populations [6].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the findings of this randomized controlled trial suggest that telemedicine is a feasible and effective alternative to standard in-person care for pediatric asthma management. Telemedicine-based interventions demonstrated non-inferiority to traditional care in achieving and maintaining asthma control, with comparable healthcare utilization and medication adherence. Telemedicine holds promise as a convenient and accessible modality for delivering asthma care to children, particularly those facing barriers to accessing traditional healthcare services. Further research is warranted to evaluate long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction with telemedicine interventions in pediatric asthma management.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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