Pamela Gail D. Lagera

Purpose of review Patients, providers, and trainees should understand the current types of asynchronous technologies that can be used to enhance the delivery and accessibility of mental health care. Asynchronous telepsychiatry (ATP) removes the need for real time communication between the clinician and patient, which improves efficiency and enables quality specialty care. ATP can be applied as distinct consultative and supervisory models in clinician-to-clinician, clinician-to-patient, and patient-to-mobile health settings. Recent findings This review is based on research literature and the authors’ clinical and medical training, using experiences with asynchronous telepsychiatry from before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our studies demonstrate that ATP provides positive outcomes in the clinician-to-patient model with demonstrated feasibility, outcomes and patient satisfaction. One author’s medical education experience in the Philippines during COVID-19 highlights the potential to utilize asynchronous technology in areas with limitations to online learning. We emphasize the need to teach media skills literacy around mental health to students, coaches, therapists, and clinicians when advocating for mental well-being. Several studies have demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating asynchronous e-tools such as self-guided multimedia and artificial intelligence for data collection at the clinician-to-clinician and patient-to-mobile health level. In addition, we offer fresh perspectives on recent trends in asynchronous telehealth in wellness, applying concepts such as “tele-exercise” and “tele-yoga.” Summary Asynchronous technologies continue to be integrated into mental health care services and research. Future research must ensure that the design and the usability of this technology puts the patient and provider first.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and asthma are two of the most prevalent and commonly co-existing respiratory conditions seen in the pediatric population. Studies linking asthma and OSA in children are limited but indicate that there is a bi-directional relationship between them with significant overlap in the symptoms, risk factors, pathophysiology, comorbidities, and management. It is suggested that there is a reciprocal association between asthma predisposing to OSA, and OSA worsening symptom control and outcomes from asthma. It stands to reason that inflammation in the upper and/or lower airways can influence each other. Most of the pediatric literature that is available evaluates each aspect of this relationship independently such as risk factors, mechanisms, and treatment indications. This article highlights the relationship between OSA and asthma in the context of shared risk factors, pathophysiology, and available management recommendations in the pediatric population. Early recognition of the co-existence and association between OSA and asthma could ideally improve the treatment outcomes for these two conditions. Gaining a better understanding of the mechanism of this relationship can help identify nuances for medical management, optimize treatment and protect this population at risk from associated morbidity.