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The Effects of Telemedicine in the Care of Inner-city, Underserved Adults (18 to 55 Years Old) with Asthma.

Kaneh, Musue and Willeman-Bucklew, Diana and Staykova, Milena and Judy, Jenks The Effects of Telemedicine in the Care of Inner-city, Underserved Adults (18 to 55 Years Old) with Asthma. 2021. Radford University, Doctoral Capstone Project. Radford University Scholars' Repository.

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Abstract

By increasing the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of healthcare, telemedicine has improved health outcomes worldwide, including those for adults with asthma in the United States. However, access to and utilization of telemedicine by asthmatic adults (18 to 55 years) in poor, inner-city areas are low. This systematic review sought to clarify the impact of telemedicine on asthma morbidity and mortality for inner-city, underserved adults. Six medical databases were searched for literature published between January 1, 2013, and May 31, 2021. The keyword search and systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines; articles for inclusion in the review were assessed independently by two raters. The high inter-rater correlation (κ = 1.0) indicates the validity of the review process. Of the five studies included in the final analysis, two reported effectiveness measures associated with the use of telemedicine, including significantly decreased acute asthma symptoms, improved medication compliance, and tobacco cessation according to the Asthma Control Test (ACT; p = 0.005 for all measures). In addition, more of the patients who participated in telemedicine interventions (49%) achieved a well-controlled asthma score (ACT score >19) than did those in the control group (27%; p < 0.05). The remaining three studies in the review focused on adult outcomes, including reduced asthma symptoms, improved quality of life, and decreased morbidity and mortality. Compared with face-to-face asthma care, telemedicine promoted significantly improved outcomes among participating patients, indicated as increased asthma quality of life (0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.14–0.61) and asthma control (95% confidence interval, 00.26–0.88). The evidence disclosed through this systematic review supports the long-term effectiveness of telemedicine in inner-city, underserved adults with asthma. The study results highlight the need to promote the application of telemedicine for asthma care in underserved areas, given its positive effects on quality of life, morbidity, and mortality.

Item Type: Doctoral Capstone Project
Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions: Radford University > Waldron College of Health and Human Services > Health Sciences Program
Date Deposited: 29 Jun 2022 16:04
Last Modified: 19 Apr 2023 16:54
URI: http://wagner.radford.edu/id/eprint/822

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