Telemonitoring of severe asthma

<bold>Introduction:</bold> An innovative telemonitoring programme for patients with severe asthma has been implemented in a Portuguese hospital. This programme includes a telemonitoring platform, smartphones, biometric devices (oximeter, tremometer and thermometer) and a personalised questionnaire. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the telemonitoring programme in severe asthma. <bold>Methods:</bold> This is a cross-sectional study carried out between 02/11/2022 and 30/11/2023 with a convenience sample: all individuals included in the programme. Inclusion criteria: severe asthma, ability to use a smartphone with internet access. <bold>Results:</bold> The sample was 10 individuals, 30% (n=3) men and 70% (n=7) women with an average age of 49.3 (±8.41) years. The platform received 4510 alerts, of which 30.47 % (n=1374) were serious, 18.29% (n=825) medium and 51.24% (n=2311) had no associated seriousness. A total of 132 nursing teleconsultations were carried out following alerts and 4 at the request of patients. These teleconsultations generated 7 face-to-face medical consultations within 24 hours of the alert. No individual needed to go to the Emergency Department for respiratory causes, nor were there any hospitalisations for respiratory causes. <bold>Discussion:</bold> This programme proved to be effective in detecting exacerbations early and reducing emergency episodes and hospital admissions. It has improved disease management and control, promoting self-management and self-care, and reinforcing patient safety and confidence. At an institutional level, it reduces healthcare costs for asthma patients. This study shows the positive effects of telemonitoring in patients with severe asthma and is innovative in the management of this type of patient.