Impact of Pharmaceutical Telecare on People with Asthma in a Public Pharmacy in the State of Rio Grande do Sul: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic, heterogeneous, and inflammatory disease of the airways that re
quires specific care and adequate treatment to remain controlled. A feasibility study
was conducted with patients from a public pharmacy in the state of Rio Grande do Sul,
diagnosed with asthma. They were randomized into four groups: telephone intervention,
video intervention, text message (SMS) intervention, and control group. The primary
outcome was the change in asthma control assessed by the Asthma Control Test (ACT)
at baseline and after three months. A significant increase in the mean ACT score was
identified, rising from 15.0 to 17.6 points (p=0.026), but only in the video intervention
group. The other groups did not show statistically significant changes. Finally, the use of
technologies with audiovisual resources proved effective in improving the use of inhala
tion devices, resulting in better asthma control.