Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the experiences, perceived benefits and disadvantages of home monitoring of pulmonary function in SSc patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted among SSc-ILD patients who used the home monitoring application of pulmonary function for at least 3 months. In our program, patients are instructed to perform home spirometry weekly at fixed time points using a mobile application with results being directly visible for patients and physicians. Audiotapes of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis after performing a member check.

Results

A total of 13 patients were interviewed, with a median age of 58 years (range 36–75) and a median experience with home monitoring of 12 months (range 3–12). We identified four major themes, including routine of telemonitoring, impact of telemonitoring, trust in telemonitoring and implementation in regular healthcare. Overall, patients found performing home spirometry to be feasible. Major perceived benefits of performing home spirometry are an increase in patient empowerment, better understanding of the disease course and a reduction in hospital visits, whereas identified disadvantages are an emotional burden of telemonitoring, heightened awareness of illness, doubts about its validity and the need for digital competencies. All patients expressed their willingness to continue, although some patients emphasized the need for face-to-face visits.

Conclusion

Telemonitoring of pulmonary function is accepted by SSc-ILD patients with the perceived benefits outweighing the disadvantages. Adopting a patient-centred strategy that considers individual factors and addresses concerns proactively is warranted to successfully implement home spirometry.

Details

Title
Experiences of systemic sclerosis patients with home monitoring of their pulmonary function: a qualitative study
Author
Velauthapillai, Arthiha 1 ; Schepers, Gwyn M M 1 ; Vonk, Madelon C 1 ; Cornelia H M van den Ende 1 

 Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, The Netherlands 
Publication year
2024
Publication date
2024
Publisher
Oxford University Press
e-ISSN
25141775
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3171515721
Copyright
© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. This work is published under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.