Boosting Referrals to Asthma Specialists for Patients Seen at the Emergency Room for an Asthma Exacerbation

This study is testing a new way to help adults with asthma get follow up care after an emergency room (ER) visit for an asthma attack. Many people who come to the ER for asthma never see an asthma specialist afterward, even though specialists can offer treatments such as advanced inhalers or biologic medicines that may prevent future attacks.

The study will compare two approaches. One group will receive a telehealth appointment with an asthma specialist that is scheduled for them before they leave the ER. The other group will receive the usual care, which typically includes a standard referral but no scheduled appointment. All participants will be offered a prescription for standard controller medication at discharge.

The main question the study aims to answer is whether arranging a telehealth visit directly from the ER increases the number of patients who complete a follow up appointment with an asthma specialist within three months. The study will also look at whether this approach improves asthma control, reduces repeat ER visits, and helps patients better understand and use their asthma medications.

This research may help identify a practical way to improve access to asthma specialists and reduce the burden of asthma for patients who frequently rely on emergency care.