Impact of Technology-Based Interventions on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Asthma: A Systematic Review

Technology based interventions (TBIs) have helped to achieve asthma control based on the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines. It is not clear, however, if TBIs have an impact on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). PROs, directly reported by the patient, lead to shared decision-making and higher quality health care. In a recent publication in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice entitled ‘Impact of Technology-Based Interventions on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Asthma: A Systemic Review,’ the authors identified asthma studies that investigated the effect of TBIs on PROs. Studies that included a TBI, collected PROs, and incorporated PROs as primary or secondary outcomes were selected. Fourteen studies were reviewed, and the identified TBIs included internet-based self-reporting tools, electronic medication monitoring devices, electronic diaries, multimedia education, and telehealth visits. Twelve studies demonstrated a positive outcome in at least one of the PROs comprising asthma severity, asthma control, treatment self-efficacy and quality of life. Treatment self-efficacy was the most consistently improved, while asthma severity was the least.

TBIs can improve asthma PROs through distinct modalities. As the options for TBIs increase, including smartphone applications, the inclusion of PROs in clinical studies will be critical to ensuring patient-centered care.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice is an official journal of the AAAAI, focusing on practical information for the practicing clinician.

Published online: February 3, 2021
Doshi H, Hsia B, Shahani J, Mowrey W, Jariwala SP. Impact of Technology-Based Interventions on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Asthma: A Systematic Review. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. 2021;9:2336-41.