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Research Article: Understanding interventions delivered in the emergency department targeting improved asthma outcomes beyond the emergency department: an integrative review

Date Published: 2023-08-07

Abstract:
Objectives The emergency department (ED) represents a place and moment of opportunity to provide interventions to improve long-term asthma outcomes, but feasibility, effectiveness and mechanisms of impact are poorly understood. We aimed to review the existing literature on interventions that are delivered in the ED for adults and adolescents, targeting asthma outcomes beyond the ED, and to code the interventions according to theory used, and to understand the barriers and facilitators to their implementation. Methods We systematically searched seven electronic databases and research registers, and manually searched reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews. Both quantitative and qualitative studies that reported on interventions delivered in the ED which aimed to improve asthma outcomes beyond management of the acute exacerbation, for adolescents or adults were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and informed study interpretation. Theory was coded using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Findings were summarised by narrative synthesis. Results 12 articles were included, representing 10 unique interventions, including educational and medication-based changes (6 randomised controlled trials and 4 non-randomised studies). Six trials reported statistically significant improvements in one or more outcome measures relating to long-term asthma control, including unscheduled healthcare, asthma control, asthma knowledge or quality of life. We identified limited use of theory in the intervention designs with only one intervention explicitly underpinned by theory. There was little reporting on facilitators or barriers, although brief interventions appeared more feasible. Conclusion The results of this review suggest that ED-based asthma interventions may be capable of improving long-term outcomes. However, there was significant variation in the range of interventions, reported outcomes and duration of follow-up. Future interventions would benefit from using behaviour change theory, such as constructs from the Theoretical Domains Framework. PROSPERO registration number CRD 42020223058.

Introduction:
The UK has one of the worst asthma death rates in Europe and many of those who die will have previously presented to the emergency department (ED) because of their asthma. 1 2 It is estimated that there are 121 000 ED visits for acute asthma presentations per year across the UK, 3 with many patients using the ED rather than primary care for their health needs. 4 ED visits typically reflect poor asthma control, often related to patients’ poor understanding of their asthma, and challenges in self-management. This is…

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