Boosting referrals to asthma specialists after an ER visit
Official title: Boosting Referrals to Asthma Specialists for Patients Seen at the Emergency Room for an Asthma Exacerbation
Run by University of South Florida · NCT07396987 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether arranging a telehealth follow-up with an asthma specialist from the ER helps adults with asthma see a specialist within 3 months more often than usual referrals.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of South Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tampa, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 19, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 2027 |
| Study ends | August 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07396987 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older with a diagnosed asthma history, who recently visited the ER for an asthma exacerbation and are on controller therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have seen an asthma specialist within the past year or who have significant other lung diseases may not benefit from this approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults who come to the ER with an asthma attack are randomized to receive either a telehealth appointment with a specialist scheduled before they leave the ER or the usual referral process. All participants get a prescription for standard controller medication at discharge. The goal is to see if the ER-initiated telehealth referral increases follow-up with an asthma specialist within three months and to describe any differences in outcomes related to asthma management. The trial is conducted at Tampa General Hospital with collaboration from USF and Sanofi. Eligibility includes adults with a formal asthma diagnosis who have had at least one exacerbation in the prior year and are on controller therapy; those with recent specialist care or other major lung diseases are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may have higher rates of timely specialist follow-up, potentially improving asthma control and reducing future exacerbations.
How similar studies have gone: Prior evidence suggests that structured, scheduled follow-ups can improve post-ER care engagement in chronic respiratory diseases, but this specific ER-initiated telehealth approach in asthma is being tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years * Asthma diagnosis ≥1 year * Seen in ER for asthma exacerbation * Persistent asthma on controller therapy * ≥1 asthma exacerbation in prior year Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who have seen an asthma specialist (allergist or pulmonologist) for asthma in the past 1 year * Diagnosis of other pulmonary diseases (e.g., COPD, interstitial lung disease, etc.) We will allow for current smokers, vapers and cannabis users as long as they meet one of the COPD-allowable pathways below. COPD-allowable pathways: If none of the below are satisfied, then exclude for COPD. Documentation: PFTs must be within 36 months of enrollment date; smoking history must be calculated and entered in this form based on patient input. Pack- year history will be collected for characterization/analysis but will not determineeligibility. We will allow for COPD as long as they are: * never smokers/vapers/cannabis users; * former or current smokers/vapers/cannabis users with normal PFTs with FEV1/FVC \>=70% documented in a medical record within 36 months of the enrollment date * former or current smoker/vapers/cannabis users with obstruction noted on PFTs (i.e., FEV1/FVC \<70%) but who demonstrates BOTH acute bronchodilator reversibility (i.e., \>10% increase in either FEV1%predicted or FVC% predicted) AND have a normal diffusing capacity (DLCO)
Where it's running
-
Tampa General Hospital Emergency Room
Tampa, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Juan C Cardet, MD — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Amanda McNamara, BA, LPN
- Email: Alett1@usf.edu
- Phone: 813-396-2729
Similar studies
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.