Effectiveness of Telemedicine Interventions in Asthma Management Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (ID 655)
UHNM
Abstract
Effectiveness of Telemedicine Interventions in Asthma Management Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Background
Asthma remains a leading chronic illness in paediatric populations, with significant morbidity and healthcare burden. While telemedicine has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance asthma management, a consolidated analysis focusing on key clinical outcomes is lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions in improving asthma control, medication adherence, quality of life, exacerbation rates, and healthcare utilisation among children and adolescents.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases, identifying randomised controlled trials and prospective studies that assessed telemedicine interventions in asthma management for patients aged 5–18 years. Eligible studies were critically appraised and data were extracted on five predefined outcomes: asthma control (measured using ACQ/C-ACT), medication adherence, asthma-specific quality of life (AQLQ/PAQLQ), exacerbation frequency, and healthcare utilisation (e.g., emergency department visits, hospitalisations). Meta-analysis will be performed using a random-effects model to derive pooled estimates for each outcome.
Results
Six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis, with sample sizes ranging from 115 to 400 participants. Preliminary synthesis shows that telemedicine interventions were associated with improved asthma control and medication adherence, while effects on quality of life and exacerbation frequency were mixed across studies. Healthcare utilisation outcomes were variably reported and will be examined quantitatively where possible.
Conclusion
This review highlights the potential of telemedicine as an adjunctive strategy for paediatric asthma management, particularly in improving asthma control and treatment adherence. The upcoming meta-analysis of harmonised outcomes will provide quantitative estimates to inform clinical practice and guideline development.
Keywords: telemedicine, asthma, children, adolescents, meta-analysis, asthma control, medication adherence, quality of life, exacerbation, healthcare utilisation.
Funding: none
Conflicts of interest: none
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