Exploring the potential benefits of digital health technology for the management of COPD: a qualitative study of patient perceptions

Abstract

Engaging chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients to actively participate in self-management has proven difficult. Digital health technology (DHT) promises to facilitate a patient-centred care model for the management of COPD by empowering patients to self-manage effectively. However, digital health studies in COPD have yet to demonstrate significant patient outcomes, suggesting that this research has still to adequately address the needs of patients in the intervention development process. The current study explored COPD patients' perceptions of the potential benefits of DHT in the self-management and treatment of their disease.A sample of convenience was chosen and participants (n=30) were recruited from two Dublin university hospitals and each underwent a qualitative semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis of the data was completed using NVivo 12 software.Six themes were identified: symptom management, anxiety management, interaction with physician, care management, personalising care and preventative intervention.In our findings, patients reported a willingness to take a more active role in self-management using DHT. They perceived DHT potentially enhancing their self-management by improving self-efficacy and engagement and by supporting healthcare professionals to practise preventative care provision. The findings can be used to inform patient-centred COPD digital interventions for researchers and clinicians who wish to develop study aims that align with the needs and preferences of patients.

A qualitative study of clinician perceptions regarding the potential role for digital health interventions for the management of COPD

“…Moreover, this paper does not account for the perceptions of COPD patients, however, the authors have previously published research addressing this. 30,96 Implications for clinical practice and conclusion Our findings provide new insights to the literature regarding the potential role of DHI in the management of COPD. HCP perceive DHI as a gateway to generating new information about their patient's health status in the home, where traditionally a knowledge gap exists.…”

Role for artificial intelligence in respiratory diseases—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

“…The rapid expansion of access and uptake of smartphone and wearable technology provides the opportunity to build on these proofs of concept with much larger datasets. Expanding patient ownership of smartphones and acceptance of health monitoring and digital selfmanagement of COPD is notable (69,70). COVID-19 challenges are further accelerating digital connectivity and the uptake of continuous remote-monitoring for health.…”

“Sometimes I don’t have a pulse … and I’m still alive!” Interviews with healthcare professionals to explore their experiences of and views on population-based digital health technologies

“…Some qualitative research has been conducted into the use of DHTs with patients who have chronic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) and cancer. [15][16][17][18][19][20] Many of these studies have focused on 'end user' or patient experiences and the potential of DHTs. When they have included HCP participation among the samples, the research concern has still been that of the patient.…”