Use of telerehabilitation platforms for delivering patient education among patients with asthma: a scoping review.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Use of tele-technology for monitoring symptoms, functional parameters, and quality-of-life of people with asthma is essential. Delivering this information among patients is mandated for a better outcome and made possible via patient education (PE). This review aims to summarize the types of telerehabilitation modalities, dosage, and outcome measures used to assess the effectiveness of PE among people with asthma. METHODS: We adopted a scoping review methodology. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize the data. The Preferred Reporting System for Meta-Analysis for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was followed during the review process. RESULTS: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched, with 34 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Results are presented in three themes telerehabilitation platforms used to deliver PE among patients with asthma; content, duration, and frequency of the PE administered; and patient-reported outcome measures used to evaluate the effectiveness of PE. CONCLUSION: This scoping study detailed the types of telerehabilitation modalities, dosage, and outcome measures used to assess the effectiveness of PE in people with asthma. This review will be especially beneficial to those considering where additional research or implementation of telerehabilitation for asthma patients is required. The studies emphasized the involvement of several healthcare experts, emphasizing the significance of a multidisciplinary approach to efficient PE delivery and possible improvements in asthma management through telerehabilitation. Although a range of telerehabilitation platforms were generally accepted, hybrid models that integrate online and in-person sessions could further enhance patient satisfaction and quality-of-life. Comprehensive economic analyses are also required, and solving technology issues is essential to maximizing the efficacy of these initiatives.