JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Current literature inadequately addresses to what extent remote monitoring should integrate in care models of chronic respiratory diseases (CRD).

Objective:

This study evaluated a remote monitoring programme (RMP) in cystic fibrosis (CF) by exploring experiences, future perspectives, and use behaviour during three years with the aim to develop future directions for remote monitoring in CRD.

Methods:

Mixed-methods, multicentre, observational study in five Dutch CF centres. Self-designed questionnaires were sent out to people with CF who had a minimum of 12 months experience with the RMP and local healthcare professionals (HCPs). Questionnaire outcomes were used to inform semi-structured interviews in HCP and pwCF. Anonymous data on use frequency of all pwCF was analysed.

Results:

24 (69%) HCPs and 72 (89%) pwCF responded to the questionnaire, 7 HCP and 12 pwCF participated in semi-structured interviews. Both pwCF and HCP were positive about remote monitoring in CF care. Benefits ranged from supporting individual patients, to reducing healthcare consumption. Downsides included negative psychosocial effects and the potential to lose sight of patients. Future perspectives were centred around creating hybrid care models, personalising remote care, and balancing individual benefits with monitoring burden.

Conclusions:

Remote monitoring has considerable potential in supporting pwCF and HCPs within the CF care model. We identified four practice-based future directions for remote monitoring in CF and CRD care. The strategies, ranging from patient-driven to prediction-driven, can help clinicians, researchers, and policy-makers to navigate the rapidly changing digital health field, to integrate remote monitoring in local care models, and to align remote care with patient and clinician needs.