title: Using a mobile health application to support self-management in COPD: a qualitative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Telehealth shows promise for supporting patients in managing their long-term health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is currently unclear how patients, and particularly older people, may benefit from these technological interventions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore patients' expectations and experiences of using a mobile telehealth-based (mHealth) application and to determine how such a system may impact on their perceived wellbeing and ability to manage their COPD.
  
  
  METHODS
  Embedded qualitative study using interviews with patients with COPD from various community NHS services: respiratory community nursing service, general practice, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  An embedded qualitative study was conducted to which patients were recruited using purposive sampling to achieve maximum variation. Interviews were carried out prior to receiving the mHealth system and again after a 6-month period. Data were analysed using a grounded theory approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sample comprised 19 patients (aged 50-85 years) with varied levels of computer skills. Patients identified no difficulties in using the mHealth application. The main themes encapsulating patients' experience of using the mHealth application related to an increased awareness of the variability of their symptoms (onset of exacerbation and recovery time) and reassurance through monitoring (continuity of care).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients were able to use the mHealth application, interpret clinical data, and use these within their self-management approach regardless of previous knowledge. Telehealth interventions can complement current clinical care pathways to support self-management behaviour.
authors: Department of Primary Care Health Sciences;
authors: Veronika
authors: V
authors: Williams
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford.
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Price
authors: Oxford Centre of Respiratory Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Churchill Hospital, Oxford.
authors: Maxine
authors: M
authors: Hardinge
authors: Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford.
authors: Lionel
authors: L
authors: Tarassenko
authors: Department of Primary Care Health Sciences;
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Farmer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000379:methods; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*
keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; long-term conditions; mobile health application; qualitative research; respiratory conditions; self-management; telehealth