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Velauthapillai A, Schepers GMM, Vonk MC, van den Ende CHM. Experiences of systemic sclerosis patients with home monitoring of their pulmonary function: a qualitative study. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2024; 8:rkae036. [PMID: 38584853 PMCID: PMC10997431 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkae036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthiha Velauthapillai
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gwyn M M Schepers
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon C Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Althobiani MA, Shuttleworth R, Conway J, Dainton J, Duckworth A, Da Ponte AJ, Mandizha J, Lanario JW, Gibbons MA, Lines S, Scotton CJ, Hurst JR, Porter JC, Russell AM. Supporting self-management for patients with Interstitial Lung Diseases: Utility and acceptability of digital devices. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2024; 3:e0000318. [PMID: 38190384 PMCID: PMC10773949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) use devices to self-monitor their health and well-being. Little is known about the range of devices, selection, frequency and terms of use and overall utility. We sought to quantify patients' usage and experiences with home digital devices, and further evaluate their perceived utility and barriers to adaptation. METHODS A team of expert clinicians and patient partners interested in self-management approaches designed a 48-question cross-sectional electronic survey; specifically targeted at individuals diagnosed with ILD. The survey was critically appraised by the interdisciplinary self-management group at Royal Devon University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust during a 6-month validation process. The survey was open for participation between September 2021 and December 2022, and responses were collected anonymously. Data were analysed descriptively for quantitative aspects and through thematic analysis for qualitative input. RESULTS 104 patients accessed the survey and 89/104 (86%) reported a diagnosis of lung fibrosis, including 46/89 (52%) idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with 57/89 (64%) of participants diagnosed >3 years and 59/89 (66%) female. 52/65(80%) were in the UK; 33/65 (51%) reported severe breathlessness medical research council MRC grade 3-4 and 32/65 (49%) disclosed co-morbid arthritis or joint problems. Of these, 18/83 (22%) used a hand- held spirometer, with only 6/17 (35%) advised on how to interpret the readings. Pulse oximetry devices were the most frequently used device by 35/71 (49%) and 20/64 (31%) measured their saturations more than once daily. 29/63 (46%) of respondents reported home-monitoring brought reassurance; of these, for 25/63 (40%) a feeling of control. 10/57 (18%) felt it had a negative effect, citing fluctuating readings as causing stress and 'paranoia'. The most likely help-seeking triggers were worsening breathlessness 53/65 (82%) and low oxygen saturation 43/65 (66%). Nurse specialists were the most frequent source of help 24/63 (38%). Conclusion: Patients can learn appropriate technical skills, yet perceptions of home-monitoring are variable; targeted assessment and tailored support is likely to be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Shuttleworth
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - John Conway
- Exeter Patients in Collaboration for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research (EPIC-PF), Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Dainton
- Exeter Patients in Collaboration for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research (EPIC-PF), Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Duckworth
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Exeter Respiratory Innovations Center, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Jorge Da Ponte
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Mandizha
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Exeter Respiratory Innovations Center, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph W. Lanario
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Exeter Respiratory Innovations Center, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A. Gibbons
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Exeter Respiratory Innovations Center, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Lines
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Chris J. Scotton
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Exeter Respiratory Innovations Center, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - John R. Hurst
- Department of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna C. Porter
- Department of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne-Marie Russell
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Exeter Respiratory Innovations Center, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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