Abstract
Background: Early identification of exacerbations in COPD reduces hospital admission and may slow disease progression. There is increasing interest in telemedicine to support timely self-management of exacerbations. The TELESCOT randomised control trial based in Lothian, Scotland, is investigating the impact of a tele-monitoring service for COPD.
Aims: To explore the views of patients and professionals participating in the trial about the impact of telemetry on hospital admissions.
Method: We undertook semi structured interviews with patient and professional participants at different time points in the TELESCOT COPD trial. Transcribed, coded data was analysed thematically. Interpretation was supported by multidisciplinary discussion.
Findings: 38 patients (47% male, mean age 67.5 years) and 32 professionals provided 70 interviews. Both patients and professionals considered that home tele-monitoring reduced the risk of hospital admission. Patients used teledata to determine their state of health and to validate their decision to contact healthcare professionals earlier in order to prevent admission. Professionals emphasised the role of telemetry in encouraging compliance and facilitating patient self management as a means of reducing admissions, though they also expressed concern that telemonitoring may increase patient dependence on services. The impact on the cost of services was a concern.
Conclusions: Enthusiasm for tele-monitoring as a means of reducing admissions is tempered by concerns about increased demand on support services.
Funding: Chief Scientists Office, Scottish Government.
- © 2011 ERS