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Kaplan A, Boivin M, Bouchard J, Kim J, Hayes S, Licskai C. The emerging role of digital health in the management of asthma. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2023; 14:20406223231209329. [PMID: 38028951 PMCID: PMC10657529 DOI: 10.1177/20406223231209329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common reasons seen for lack of asthma control include misconceptions about disease control, low controller treatment adherence, poor inhaler technique, and the resulting underuse of controllers and overuse of short-acting beta2 agonists (SABAs). Narrowing these care gaps may be achieved through well-designed patient education that considers the patient's motivation, beliefs, and capabilities regarding their asthma and its management and empowers the patient to become an active participant in treatment decisions. Digital health technologies (DHTs) and digital therapeutic (DT) devices provide new opportunities to monitor treatment behaviors, improve communication between healthcare providers and patients, and generate data that inform educational interactions. DHT and DT have been proven effective in enhancing patient self-management in other chronic conditions, particularly diabetes. Accelerated integration of DHT and DT into the management of asthma patients is facilitated by the use of digital inhalers that employ sensor technology ("smart" inhalers). These devices efficiently provide real-time feedback on controller adherence, SABA use, and inhaler technique that have the strong potential to optimize asthma control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Kaplan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 14872 Yonge Street, Aurora, Toronto, ON L4G 1N2, Canada
- Family Physician Airways Group of Canada, Markham, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - James Kim
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Christopher Licskai
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Godbout K, Bhutani M, Connors L, Chan CKN, Connors C, Dorscheid D, Dyck G, Foran V, Kaplan AG, Reynolds J, Waserman S. Recommendations from a Canadian Delphi consensus study on best practice for optimal referral and appropriate management of severe asthma. ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 19:12. [PMID: 36804947 PMCID: PMC9936462 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-023-00767-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Canada, severe asthma affects an estimated 5-10% of people with asthma and is associated with frequent exacerbations, poor symptom control and significant morbidity from the disease itself, as well as the high dose inhaled, and systemic steroids used to treat it. Significant heterogeneity exists in service structure and patient access to severe asthma care, including access to biologic treatments. There appears to be over-reliance on short-acting beta agonists and frequent oral corticosteroid use, two indicators of uncontrolled asthma which can indicate undiagnosed or suboptimally treated severe asthma. The objective of this modified Delphi consensus project was to define standards of care for severe asthma in Canada, in areas where the evidence is lacking through patient and healthcare professional consensus, to complement forthcoming guidelines. METHODS The steering group of asthma experts identified 43 statements formed from eight key themes. An online 4-point Likert scale questionnaire was sent to healthcare professionals working in asthma across Canada to assess agreement (consensus) with these statements. Consensus was defined as high if ≥ 75% and very high if ≥ 90% of respondents agreed with a statement. RESULTS A total of 150 responses were received from HCPs including certified respiratory educators, respirologists, allergists, general practitioners/family physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and respiratory therapists. Consensus amongst respondents was very high in 37 (86%) statements, high in 4 (9%) statements and was not achieved in 2 (5%) statements. Based on the consensus scores, ten key recommendations were proposed. These focus on referrals from primary and secondary care, accessing specialist asthma services, homecare provision for severe asthma patients and outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of these recommendations across the severe asthma care pathway in Canada has the potential to improve outcomes for patients through earlier detection of undiagnosed severe asthma, reduction in time to severe asthma diagnosis, and initiation of advanced phenotype specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Godbout
- grid.421142.00000 0000 8521 1798Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - M. Bhutani
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XDepartment of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Alberta, Western Canada, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - L. Connors
- grid.55602.340000 0004 1936 8200Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada
| | - C. K. N. Chan
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - C. Connors
- Canadian Network for Respiratory Care, Bolton, Canada
| | - D. Dorscheid
- grid.416553.00000 0000 8589 2327Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada
| | - G. Dyck
- Clearspring Medical Clinic, Steinbach, MB Canada
| | - V. Foran
- grid.453624.20000 0001 1089 1394Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society, Asthma Canada, Toronto, ON M4S 2Z2 Canada
| | - A. G. Kaplan
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Family Physician Airways Group of Canada, Respiratory Effectiveness Group, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, L4G 1N2 Canada
| | - J. Reynolds
- Interim CEO, Asthma Canada, Toronto, ON M4S 2Z2 Canada
| | - S. Waserman
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
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Barriers and Enablers to Objective Testing for Asthma and COPD in Primary Care: A Systematic Review Using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Chest 2021; 161:888-905. [PMID: 34740591 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although guidelines have long recommended objective pulmonary function testing to diagnose asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), many primary care patients receive a clinical diagnosis of asthma or COPD without objective testing. This often leads to unnecessary treatment with associated incremental costs and side-effects, and delays actual diagnosis. RESEARCH QUESTION What are the barriers and enablers to lung function testing for asthma and/or COPD in primary care? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We searched the literature for qualitative and quantitative studies reporting barriers and/or enablers to in-office or out-of-office lung function testing for diagnosing asthma and/or COPD, in primary care. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts; assessed methodological quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool; and extracted data from included studies. Identified barriers and enablers were categorized using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), applying a pre-established coding manual. RESULTS We identified 7988 unique articles, reviewed 336 full-text articles, and included 18 studies in this systematic review. Of these 18, 12 were quantitative, 3 were qualitative, and 3 used mixed methods. All 18 addressed in-office testing and 11 also addressed out-of-office testing. Barriers and enablers overlapped for asthma and COPD, and in- and out-of-office settings. We identified more reported barriers (e.g. lack of knowledge of the usefulness of spirometry) than enablers (e.g. skills for performing reliable spirometry). Barriers mapped to 9 (of a possible 14) TDF domains (for both in- and out-of-office settings). Enablers mapped to three domains for in-office testing and five domains for out-of-office testing. INTERPRETATION Barriers to objective testing for airways disease in primary care are complex and span many theoretical domains. Correspondingly, a successful intervention must leverage multiple behaviour change techniques. A theory-based, multifaceted intervention to address underuse of diagnostic testing for asthma or COPD should now be developed and tested.
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Taqi A, Rowlands G, Rathbone AP. A systematic review and thematic synthesis to identify factors that influence pharmacists' involvement in asthma care services: An identity crisis. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2021; 3:100051. [PMID: 35480619 PMCID: PMC9030714 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2021.100051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma is a common chronic disease worldwide affecting an estimated 300 million people. Pharmacists can play key roles to support optimal health outcomes for patients with asthma. Goffman's Dramaturgical Theory was used in this review to critically examine the literature describing the role of pharmacists in asthma services. Objectives The aim of this review is to identify factors that influence the role of pharmacists in asthma care services. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted of seven electronic databases including: CINAHL, Midline (Ovid), PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, Embase and PsycInfo.). The search was not restricted by language or date of publication. Studies were screened according to inclusion criteria which included much relate to pharmacists, asthma services and include qualitative findings. Data was extracted and thematically synthesised to create demographic, descriptive and analytical findings. Results Eighteen studies were included. The majority of studies were conducted in high income countries, with most of the studies conducted in Australia (n = 10). Semi-structured interview was used as a method for data collection in most studies (n = 11). Evidence indicated pharmacists engaged in asthma services positively and wanted to expand their roles in patient care. However, literature reported patients' attitudes and health-system factors such as remuneration, as well as inter-professional collaboration and expected low levels of knowledge and skills of pharmacists were barriers to implementation of pharmacy-led asthma care. Analytical findings suggest that pharmacists' involvement in asthma care services were influenced by patients' and healthcare professionals' expectations which were juxtaposed with pharmacists' own self-perceived identity. Conclusions This review demonstrates pharmacists self-identified as being capable and equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills, however the expectations of patients and other healthcare professionals prohibited their involvement in delivering asthma care services.
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Singh S, Surani S, McGuinness S, Eudicone J, Gilbert I, Subramanian S. Current practice patterns, challenges, and educational needs of asthma care providers in the United States. J Asthma 2020; 58:1118-1127. [PMID: 32336241 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1761980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE For severe, uncontrolled asthma (SUA), a gap exists between recent scientific advances and their incorporation into clinical practice. Using a Knowledge-to-Action Framework, new knowledge can be translated into evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes. The AstraZeneca U.S. PRECISION initiative aims to apply this Framework to improve recognition and management of SUA. The study objective was to identify factors contributing to gaps in care for patients with SUA. Results from a needs assessment survey of U.S. pulmonologists and allergists/immunologists were assessed within the Knowledge-to-Action Framework to advance bench-to-bedside care. METHODS Pulmonologists and allergists/immunologists from across the United States were invited to complete a customized, quantitative severe asthma survey in person at the 2017 American Thoracic Society annual meeting or via the Internet. Responses were summarized descriptively, and chi-squared tests evaluated associations between variables of interest. RESULTS Overall, 140 U.S. providers responded, most of whom were pulmonologists (84%). Most (60%) practiced in a community-based setting; 40% practiced at an academic medical center. Key challenges to providing care for patients with severe asthma included insurance company requirements and identification of the pathophysiology of an individual patient's severe asthma. Traditional measures of asthma-related morbidity were ranked as highly important by significantly more respondents compared with assessment of biomarkers (p < 0.0001). Respondents generally valued online virtual self-education. CONCLUSIONS Survey results identified unmet needs for the identification and management of patients with SUA and opportunities to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based management of SUA, including testing for biologic eligibility and subsequent use of biologic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhartha Singh
- Clinical Affairs, Collaborative for Healthcare Delivery Sciences, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Salim Surani
- Medical Critical Care Services, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - Shyam Subramanian
- Gould Medical Group, Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, Tracy, CA, USA
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Armson H, Perrier L, Roder S, Shommu NS, Wakefield J, Shaw E, Zahorka S, Elmslie T, Lofft M. Assessing Unperceived Learning Needs in Continuing Medical Education for Primary Care Physicians: A Scoping Review. THE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS 2020; 40:257-267. [PMID: 33284177 DOI: 10.1097/ceh.0000000000000300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Assessing needs before developing continuing medical education/continuing professional development (CME/CPD) programs is a crucial step in the education process. A previous systematic literature review described a lack of objective evaluation for learning needs assessments in primary care physicians. This scoping review updates the literature on uses of objective evaluations to assess physicians' unperceived learning needs in CME/CPD. Identifying and understanding these approaches can inform the development of educational programs that are relevant to clinical practice and patient care. The study objectives were to (1) scope the literature since the last systematic review published in 1999; (2) conduct a comprehensive search for studies and reports that explore innovative tools and approaches to identify physicians' unperceived learning needs; (3) summarize, compare, and classify the identified approaches; and (4) map any gaps in the literature to identify future areas of research. METHODS A scoping review was used to "map" the literature on current knowledge regarding approaches to unperceived needs assessment using conceptual frameworks for planning and assessing CME/CPD activities. RESULTS Two prominent gaps were identified: (1) performance-based assessment strategies are highly recommended in nonresearch articles yet have low levels of implementation in published studies and (2) analysis of secondary data through patient input or environmental scanning is emphasized in grey literature implementation strategies more so than in peer-reviewed theoretical and research articles. DISCUSSION Future evaluations should continue to incorporate multiple strategies and focus on making unperceived needs assessments actionable by describing strategies for resource management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Armson
- Dr. Armson: Assistant Dean, Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development and Professor, Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary; Research Director, The Foundation for Medical Practice Education, McMaster University. Dr. Perrier: Research Data Management Librarian, University of Toronto Libraries, University of Toronto. Dr. Roder: Research Program Coordinator, The Foundation for Medical Practice Education, McMaster University. Dr. Shommu: Research Coordinator, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. Dr. Wakefield: Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University; Senior Editor, Module Development, The Foundation for Medical Practice Education, McMaster University. Dr. Shaw: Professor; Associate Chair of Education, Department of Family Medicine; Director, Module Development, The Foundation for Medical Practice Education, McMaster University. Ms. Zahorka: Education Coordinator, The Foundation for Medical Practice Education, McMaster University. Dr. Elmslie: Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa; Executive Director, The Foundation for Medical Practice Education, McMaster University. Ms. Lofft: Research Assistant, The Foundation for Medical Practice Education, McMaster University
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