Considerations for the implementation of a telemedicine protocol in pediatric and adolescent patients with asthma

CategoryDescription/Requirements
Inclusion criteriaA legal guardian who consents and is willing to participate and adhere to the teleassistance protocol.
Familiarization of the patient and guardian with the use of mobile phones, tablets, computers, and software applications.
Availability of a mobile phone, tablet, computer, and internet connection (if the patient does not have a mobile phone, it may be necessary to provide a device for use during the follow-up period).
Evaluation of asthma stratification criteria that may be considered inclusive: poorly controlled asthma, telematic follow-up after admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, asthma in adolescent patients, among others.
Exclusion criteriaPatients or families who are hypo-perceptive or hyper-perceptive of the disease.
Physical, cognitive, or linguistic barriers affecting the legal guardian or the minor that prevent teleassistance.
Other conditions determined by the team responsible for the teleassistance program.
Human resourcesMedical healthcare professionals: pediatric allergist/pulmonologist or physicians responsible for asthma units.
Non-medical healthcare professionals: nursing staff (with specific training in asthma)/nursing assistants.
Non-healthcare personnel: administrative staff (scheduling appointments, managing agendas, and patient communication).
Evaluation and follow-upIt is essential to monitor teleconsultation activities, which requires the development of appropriate indicators.
Ethical and legal aspects of using teleconsultationWe must understand the ethical aspects linked to the use of information and communication technologies in clinical processes, ensuring elements such as equity in access to services and the availability of appropriate technology to access these services.