The lived experience of patients using tele-health to self manage COPD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A phenomenological study to explore the lived experience of patients using tele-health to self manage their chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
IRAS ID
234781
Contact name
Kim Greening
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Plymouth
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 24 days
Research summary
Tele-health enables home monitoring of patients with chronic disease and early intervention of a treatment plan to prevent hospital admission. Within Cornwall it consists of patients recording their vital signs and answering appropriate questions using a digital device. This data is monitored by a qualified nurse who analyses the data and intervenes if necessary.
Following a narrative review on whether tele-health improved outcomes for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the results were inconclusive. The literature pertaining to the qualitative research highlighted that it would be of value to further understand the lived experience of patients with COPD using tele-health.
A phenomenological approach identifies the experience from the perspective of the individual, gaining insights into people's motivation and actions. It is therefore appropriate to investigate how the introduction of tele-health has changed their perception of their disease, and how they self manage their COPD.
The sample will consist of eight patients with COPD who have used the tele-health service within Cornwall. The specific disorder of COPD has been selected as it is the second most common cause for emergency admissions to hospital and the most expensive for in-patient stays in hospital.
The sample will comprise patients with a diagnosis of COPD who have experience of using tele-health and use it independently. The data will be collected from an in depth semi-structured interview within the participants home. This interview will be recorded digitally. The data will be collected during one interview, unless the participant requires a break.REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
17/WA/0395
Date of REC Opinion
6 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion