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Effectiveness of A Computer-Assisted Asthma Management Program on Physician Adherence to Guidelines
Cited 8 time in
Web of Science
Cited 10 time in Scopus
- Authors
- Issue Date
- 2010-08
- Publisher
- Informa Healthcare
- Citation
- JOURNAL OF ASTHMA; Vol.47 6; 680-686
- Keywords
- asthma ; computer-assisted decision making ; guideline ; software
- Abstract
- Background and Objective. Asthma is an example of a chronic disease for which there are evidence-based guidelines for primary care. The authors undertook this study to demonstrate that physicians` use and adherence to asthma management guidelines are improved when the guidelines are furnished in a computer-based format. Methods. Based on established guidelines, the authors devised a practical and simple computer-assisted program focused on asthma treatment and monitoring. They then undertook a preliminary investigation, "Easy Asthma Management (EAM)" study, using this program. Finally, the authors evaluated the program`s effectiveness by measuring clinical outcomes and changes in prescription patterns before and after the study. Results. A total of 4682 asthma patients followed by 377 physicians were recruited, and 2187 completed the study (46.7%). The means of diurnal and nocturnal symptom scores were significantly reduced after a 3-month enrollment in the EAM study. Interestingly, the fraction of prescriptions for oral beta(2)-agonists, oral methylxanthines, and systemic steroids (oral or injection) significantly decreased after the EAM study (p = .02, p <.001, p <. 001, respectively), whereas the fraction of prescriptions for inhaled forms of steroids combined with beta(2)-agonists increased significantly (p <.001). Conclusions. These findings suggest that a computer-assisted asthma management program can be used to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with asthma, and increase physician adherence to established guidelines.
- ISSN
- 0277-0903
- Language
- English
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