Virtual Home Visits Reduce Asthma Burden in Underserved Communities amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesPilot an asthma virtual home visits program, and evaluate its reach and ability to promote asthma self-management strategies in underserved communities.MethodsParticipants were continuously recruited into the 3-month-long program starting March 2021 and provided with materials related to asthma education. Participants reporting poorly-controlled asthma and home-based triggers were also offered three virtual home visits with a respiratory therapist. All participants were asked to complete a pre- and post-intervention knowledge test and Asthma Control Test (ACT), and a final survey assessing perceptions regarding asthma management and environmental trigger reduction.ResultsAs of October 2022, 147 participants were enrolled, and 51 had consented and received at least one virtual home visit. Approximately 77% of virtual visit recipients were children, 76% were non-Hispanic blacks, and 90% were from ‘extremely low’ or ‘low’ income families. Asthma symptoms improved across the whole group, with a median increase of 2.39 points on the ACT score. Knowledge tests revealed that 86% of participants learned about at least one new asthma trigger, with a larger fraction of virtual visit recipients (68% vs. 36% non-recipients) showing an improved score post-intervention. About 75% of participants reported feeling more empowered to take control of their asthma after participating in the program, and reported a significant improvement in their quality of life due to asthma.ConclusionsThe program successfully provided virtual asthma education to underserved, at-risk communities, and improved asthma outcomes for participants. Similar virtual models can be used to promote health equity, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare.Summary BoxWhat is the current understanding on this subject?Home-based interventions are known to be beneficial for improving asthma outcomes, especially among children; however, in-person visits have been a challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic.What does this report add to the literature?This report suggests that virtual, home-based models for asthma education are a viable alternative to in-person visits. As such, they can be an important tool for promoting health equity, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare.What are the implications for public health practice?Public health practitioners should be educated regarding the benefits of home-based asthma interventions, including virtual programs, as an adjuvant to standard clinical practices.