Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Pediatric asthma control in tertiary care setting using telemedicine during COVID-19 era
Phanthila Sitthikarnkha1, Rattapon Uppala1, Dara Mairiang1
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Insights
Telemedicine follow-up for pediatric asthma patients during COVID-19 led to better symptom control and fewer exacerbations compared to in-person visits. This approach proved effective for managing childhood asthma remotely.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Digital Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated adaptations in healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable pediatric populations like asthmatic children.
- National measures encouraged reduced hospital visits, prompting the adoption of telemedicine services.
- Limited data exists on telemedicine's effectiveness for asthma management in Thailand.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare asthma control in pediatric patients managed via telemedicine versus traditional in-person outpatient visits.
- To assess the impact of telemedicine on symptom control, medication adherence, and exacerbation events in asthmatic children in Thailand.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study involving pediatric asthma patients at a tertiary academic medical center in Thailand.
- Patients were categorized into telemedicine (telephone visits) and in-person groups based on preference.
- Data collected included asthma symptoms, medication compliance, exacerbations, and hospital admissions; controller medications were mailed to telemedicine patients.
Main Results:
- Out of 195 asthmatic children, 83 (42.56%) received telemedicine follow-up.
- Telemedicine group showed significantly better asthma symptom control (aRR: 1.219; P=0.005).
- The in-person group experienced more asthma exacerbations (5 vs. 0), though not statistically significant (P=0.073).
Conclusions:
- Telemedicine follow-up is an effective strategy for managing pediatric asthma during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- This approach resulted in well-controlled asthma symptoms and a reduction in exacerbation events among children.
- Telemedicine offers a viable alternative to in-person visits for maintaining asthma care continuity.
Background:
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, national measures have affected health care services. Children with asthma were a vulnerable population who were advised to avoid needless hospital visits. Telemedicine was utilized in this circumstance. However, data in Thailand is limited. This study aimed to evaluate asthma control in patients who were followed up by telemedicine compared with in-person visits at an outpatient clinic in Thailand's tertiary academic medical center.
Methods:
This was a retrospective study among pediatric patients with asthma who were followed up in the pediatric pulmonary and allergy clinic of Srinagarind Hospital from 1 January to 31 May 2021. We offered telemedicine (telephone visit) and in-person visits at the hospital by their willingness during this period. All patients were asked about asthma clinical control symptoms, medication compliance, exacerbation events, and hospital admissions by pediatric pulmonologists and allergists. Then, we decided to prescribe in controller medications. In the telemedicine groups, we used the postal service to deliver controller medicine to patients.
Results:
Among 195 asthmatic children, 83 (42.56%) were followed up by telemedicine. Children who were followed up by telemedicine had more controlled symptoms than the in-person visit group [adjusted relative risk (aRR): 1.219; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.062-1.400; P value =0.005]. In the in-person visit group, children had more asthma exacerbation events than telemedicine (5 vs. 0, respectively, P value =0.073).
Conclusions:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine follow-up in asthmatic children resulted in well-controlled symptoms and few asthma exacerbation events.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:23Inhaled Medications
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma