Is there a role for telemedicine in adult allergy services?

Abstract

Telemedicine refers to the application of telecommunication and information technology (IT) in the delivery of health and clinical care at a distance or remotely and can be broadly considered in two modalities: store-and-forward and real-time interactive services.Preliminary studies have shown promising results in radiology, dermatology, intensive care, diabetes, rheumatology and primary care. However, the evidence is limited and hampered by small sample sizes, paucity of randomised controlled studies and lack of data relating to costeffectiveness, health related quality of life and patient and clinician satisfaction. This review appraises the evidence from studies that have employed telemedicine tools in other disciplines and makes suggestions for its potential applications in specific clinical scenarios in adult allergy services. Possible examples include: triaging patients to determine the need for allergy tests; pre-assessment for specialised treatments such as allergen immunotherapy; follow up to assess treatment response and side effects; and education in self-management plan including training updates for self-injectable adrenaline and nasal spray use. This approach might improve access for those with limited mobility or living far away from regional centres, as well as bringing convenience and cost savings for the patient and service provider. These potential benefits need to be carefully weighed against evidence of service safety and quality. Keys to success include delineation of appropriate clinical scenarios, patient selection, training, IT support and robust information governance framework. Welldesigned prospective studies are needed to evaluate its role.

Impact Of “eHealth” in Allergic Diseases and Allergic Patients

“…In the first modality, packets of data (radiographic images, peak expiratory flow rate recordings) are transmitted to a specialist, who offers diagnostic or management advice. However, real-time interactive services involve real-time contact using information technologies (telephone, video calling) [36]. Telemedicine is used not only to exchange quality or other environmental factors as regards their exact location medical information between professionals, but also to remotely monitor patients with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and skin conditions, thus improving overall health outcomes [36,37].…”

“…However, real-time interactive services involve real-time contact using information technologies (telephone, video calling) [36]. Telemedicine is used not only to exchange quality or other environmental factors as regards their exact location medical information between professionals, but also to remotely monitor patients with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and skin conditions, thus improving overall health outcomes [36,37]. Telemedicine has several potential benefits, including cost reduction [37] by reducing the number of cancelled appointments and travel to the hospital.…”

Work productivity in rhinitis using cell phones: The MASK pilot study

“…“Smart” devices and Internet‐based applications are already used in rhinitis . MASK‐rhinitis (MACVIA‐ARIA Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis), an information and communications technology (ICT) system centred around the patient, is one of the implementation tools of the B3 Action Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) .…”

Pilot study of mobile phone technology in allergic rhinitis in European countries: the MASK‐rhinitis study

“…Smart devices and Internet‐based applications are already used in rhinitis and may help to meet some of the unmet needs . MASK‐rhinitis (MACVIA‐ARIA Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis), an ICT system centred around the patient , is one of the implementation tools of the B3 Action Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) .…”