Clinical impact of home automated telemanagement in asthma.

There is a great need to provide effective, on-going education and monitoring for the large numbers of asthmatic patients, in particular for those who have a history of aggravating asthma. The complex asthma self management and the busy modern lifestyles makes it unlikely that patients without outside help and support can effectively follow their self-care plans on a regular basis. This study, evaluated the impact of an asthma self-care support system, delivered by telecommunications and computer technology, which has the potential of making a significant contribution in the management of asthma. Analysis of 40 patients using the system showed a significant improvement in the asthma symptoms, lung function test, adherence to action plan and overall decrease in the use of quick relief inhaler.