Implementation of virtual pulmonary rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences and perceptions of patients and healthcare providers - 04/04/24
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Abstract |
Background |
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) plays an important role in the management of symptomatic patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRD). While studies have investigated the feasibility and efficacy of virtual PR (VPR), it is important to understand the experiences of patients and healthcare providers (HCPs) during the rapid digital health transformation that occurred in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objectives |
To explore the experiences and perspectives of patients and HCPs who participated in VPR during the pandemic.
Methods |
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with CRD patients and HCPs. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach and a team-based inductive thematic analysis.
Results |
Participants included 11 HCPs (7 female; 29–55 years) and 19 CRD patients (11 male; 62–83 years; 15 COPD, 4 COPD/ILD). Three major themes and 10 subthemes were identified: i) the pandemic response: a ‘trial by fire’ (navigating uncertainty, emotional impact of change, shifting practice amid complexity); ii) beyond the emergency: navigating a ‘new normal’ (eligibility and assessment for VPR, virtual exercise, virtual education and resources, clinical supervision and patient safety); and iii) care beyond boundaries: the implications of using technology for PR (benefits and limitations of technology, psychosocial implications, VPR in the future).
Conclusion |
The pivot to VPR was acknowledged as positive by both patients and HCPs although both groups were mindful of the implementation challenges. These findings provide insight into the experience of HCPs and patients in introducing VPR in response to the pandemic and will inform future implementation of VPR for individuals with CRD.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Highlights |
• | This study reflects a real-world implementation of virtual pulmonary rehabilitation (VPR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
• | Participants discussed the innovative but stepwise approaches to modifying and refining VPR practices as the pandemic progressed. |
• | Strategies were developed to appropriately assess exercise capacity, personalize exercise, and adapt PR components to a new virtual environment. |
• | The results of this research can inform strategies to improve the implementation of VPR. |
Keywords : Pulmonary rehabilitation, Chronic respiratory disease, Virtual PR, Virtual care, Tele-rehabilitation, Digital health
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Vol 225
Article 107588- avril 2024 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.