Abstract
Background Technology such as wearable technology and self-management applications could improve the care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by real-time continuous monitoring, early detection of COPD and improved self-management. However, patients have not been willing to use technology when it is too difficult to use, interferes with their daily lives or threatens their identity, independence and self-care.
Methods We conducted a qualitative study to determine what patients with COPD would like to see in a wearable device and a mobile application to help manage their condition. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and concepts.
Results We interviewed 14 people with COPD with an average age of 69 years. Participants perceived that the technology could improve their ability to manage their condition both in daily life and during exacerbations by connecting how they feel and by knowing their oxygen saturation, heart rate and activity. The technology may help them address feelings of fear and panic associated with exacerbations and may provide reassurance and connectedness. Some people with COPD wanted their healthcare providers to have access to their data, while others were concerned about inundating them with too much information. Of note, people wanted to maintain control of the information; to make connections with the data, but also in order to be alerted when a possible exacerbation occurs.
Conclusion Patients perceived significant potential for wearables and apps to help manage their condition.
Abstract
In-depth interviews with COPD patients found that they face significant challenges managing their condition. Patients perceive significant potential for wearables to help with self-management and alerting them to a possible exacerbation. http://bit.ly/2xcyBlB
Footnotes
Author contributions: R.C. Wu and T. Son had full access to all the data in the study, and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and accuracy of the analysis, including and especially any adverse effects. R.C. Wu, S. Ginsburg, A.S. Gershon and T. Son contributed substantially to the study design, data analysis and interpretation, and the writing of the manuscript. R.C. Wu confirms that the study objectives and procedures are honestly disclosed. Moreover, he has reviewed study execution data and confirms that procedures were followed to an extent that convinces all authors that the results are valid and generalisable to a population similar to that enrolled in the study.
Support statement: This study was supported by the Innovation Fund of the Alternative Funding Plan for the Academic Health Sciences Centres of Ontario as well as AGE-WELL NCE Inc. R.C. Wu is supported by an award from the Mak Pak Chiu and Mak-Soo Lai Hing Chair in General Internal Medicine, University of Toronto. Funding information for this article has been deposited with the Crossref Funder Registry.
Conflict of interest: R.C. Wu reports that he is the lead of a team that is actively trying to develop a wearable to aid in the self-management of patients with COPD. This includes a potential collaboration with Samsung Research America. They may be providing funding for his team to conduct a trial that enrolls patients to use a COPD app and a Samsung smartwatch. They have not provided any funding to date.
Conflict of interest: S. Ginsburg has nothing to disclose.
Conflict of interest: T. Son has nothing to disclose.
Conflict of interest: A.S. Gershon has nothing to disclose.
- Received February 7, 2019.
- Accepted June 11, 2019.
- Copyright ©ERS 2019
This article is open access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Licence 4.0.
