ABSTRACT
Although the literature contains a number of reports of early work involving
telemedicine and chronic disease, there have been comparatively few studies in asthma. Most of the work in asthma has concerned remote monitor-
ing of patients in the home, for example, transmitting spirometry data via a
telephone modem to a central server. The object is to improve management.
A secondary benefit is that patient adherence to prescribed treatment is
likely to be improved. Early results are encouraging. Other studies have
described the cost-benefits of a specialist asthma nurse who can manage
patients by telephone contact, as well as deliver asthma education. Many
web-based resources are available for the general public or health-care professionals to improve education in asthma, although their quality is highly
variable. The work on telemedicine in asthma clearly shows that the techni-
que holds promise in a number of areas. Unfortunately-as in telemedicine
generally-most of the literature refers to pilot trials and feasibility studies,
with short-term outcomes. Large-scale, formal research trials are required
to establish the cost-effectiveness of telemedicine in asthma.
