Impact of pharmacist-led digital interventions on asthma outcomes: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Effective asthma management is critical to prevent exacerbation, improve asthma control, and reduce health care expenses. Pharmacist-led asthma management tools allow pharmacists to better assist patients over the course of their disease.

OBJECTIVES

This study seeks to assess the impact of pharmacist-led digital interventions on medication adherence and asthma control. Secondary objectives include assessing patient satisfaction, pharmacist perceptions, and identifying behavior change techniques (BCTs) used by pharmacists to support asthma management.

METHODS

In September 2024, 2 independent investigators conducted searches on PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL for studies evaluating pharmacist-led digital health tools for asthma management. The search strategy incorporated terms related to asthma, pharmacy practice, and digital health.

CLINICALTRIALS: gov and the top 100 Google Scholar citations were also searched to capture grey literature. Eligible studies were those reporting the impact of pharmacist-led digital interventions on asthma outcomes. The literature search was repeated in September 2025 to capture newly published studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines were used to ensure transparent reporting of the study selection process.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included in the review. Studies utilized telemedicine follow ups or consults (n = 5), educational videos (n = 2), a self-management app with educational, peer, and pharmacist chat features (n = 1), and a data mining software (n = 1) to identify and offer interventions to at-risk patients. Four out of 5 studies assessing the effect of an intervention on medication adherence reported positive effects. Similarly, 7 of 8 interventions measuring asthma control reported positive effects. Across studies, 8 BCTs were used to promote adherence and inhaler technique. Two studies assessed patient satisfaction and reported positive feedback. One study assessed economic outcomes with direct and indirect cost-savings. None assessed pharmacists' perceptions.

CONCLUSIONS

Most studies reported positive effects of pharmacist-led interventions on medication adherence and asthma control, highlighting the potential of these interventions to improve patient outcomes. Although all but one study applied BCTs, the limited diversity in the types of BCTs utilized, and the limited evaluation of satisfaction, costs, and pharmacist perspectives highlights critical research gaps.