Telehealth To Improve Asthma Control In Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and objectivePoorly controlled asthma during pregnancy is hazardous for both mother and foetus. Better asthma control may be achieved if patients are involved in regular self-monitoring of symptoms and self-management according to a written asthma action plan. Telehealth applications to optimize asthma management and outcomes in pregnant women have not yet been evaluated. This study evaluated the efficacy of a telehealth programme supported by a handheld respiratory device in improving asthma control during pregnancy.MethodsPregnant women with asthma (n=72) from two antenatal clinics in Melbourne, Australia, were randomized to one of two groups: (i) interventioninvolving a telehealth programme (management of asthma with supportive telehealth of respiratory function in pregnancy (MASTERY((c)))) supported by a handheld respiratory device and an Android smart phone application (Breathe-easy((c))) and written asthma action plan or (ii) controlusual care. The primary outcome was change in asthma control at 3 and 6months (prenatal). Secondary outcomes included changes in quality of life and lung function, and perinatal/neonatal outcomes.ResultsAt baseline, participants' mean ( standard deviation) age was 31.44.5years and gestational age 16.7 +/- 3.1weeks. At 6months, the MASTERY group had better asthma control (P=0.02) and asthma-related quality of life (P=0.002) compared with usual care. There were no significant differences between groups in lung function, unscheduled health-care visits, days off work/study, oral corticosteroid use, or perinatal outcomes. Differences between groups were not significant at 3months.ConclusionTelehealth interventions supporting self-management are feasible and could potentially improve asthma control and asthma-related quality of life during pregnancy.This study evaluated the efficacy of a telehealth programme, supported by a handheld respiratory device for optimising asthma management in pregnant women. At the end of the study, participants in the intervention group showed greater improvement in asthma control and asthma-related quality of life than the control group.