Impact of a PERsonalized CAse MAnagement Program for the Follow-up of Moderate and Severe aSTHma Patients on Exacerbations, Health Resource Use and Asthma Control: PERCASTHMA STUDY

Overview

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to learn about the impact of the implementation of an intervention-based case management follow-up program during periods of clinical worsening or poor adherence in patients with moderate and severe asthma. Patients will be randomized into two arms: a case management follow-up group and a control group that will follow-up according to routine care practice. A single masking (outcomes assessor) was performed. Researchers will compare the response on exacerbations, health resource use and asthma control between the two groups during a one-year follow-up. Outcomes on pulmonary function, quality of life, adherence to treatment, pulmonary inflammation parameters and systemic corticosteroid use will also be studied. Additionally, other baseline clinical characteristics and events of the previous year will be collected retrospectively for all patients. The study was evaluated and approved by a local ethics committee. All study participants will receive an asthma education session with review of inhaler technique and training in the use of self-management action plans. Only participants in the case management follow-up group will periodically send asthma control (ACT) and adherence (TAI) questionnaires to the case manager. If not completed, the case manager will contact the patient by telephone to determine the degree of asthma control and adherence. The case manager will also monitor the withdrawal of drugs on the electronic prescription. The patient will contact the case manager via a mobile app, phone or email if needed due to worsening symptoms or need for self-management support. With this information, the case manager will make decisions based on personalized medical instructions prepared by the pulmonologist at the baseline visit, which will be reviewed according to evolution.