The Experiences and Perceptions of Telehealth in Patients Living With Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

ABSTRACT Aim To systematically identify, appraise and synthesise qualitative research evidence which examined the impact of telehealth on the experiences and perceptions of patients living with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to inform the development of patient‐centred telehealth. Design Qualitative evidence synthesis. Database Searches CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, PUBMED, MEDLINE, EThOS, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Lenus, DART, RIAN and ProQuest were searched for primary qualitative studies undertaken between 2008 and 2023. Methods A thematic synthesis of studies was undertaken to identify descriptive themes relating to patient views. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme framework, and confidence in review findings was assessed using the GRADE‐CERQual approach. Findings Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final synthesis. Four analytical themes were generated (1) telehealth as a facilitator of independence, (2) the influence of patient and healthcare provider relationship on successful engagement with telehealth, (3) usability of telehealth to patients living with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and (4) trusting virtual health services and facilitating confidence in the patient/service user. Five descriptive themes emerged: (i) individualised telehealth chronic obstructive pulmonary disease care (ownership and control), (ii) managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, (iii) being heard and feeling understood, (iv) telehealth as an education aid and (v) aging and virtual technology. Conclusion Understanding the experiences of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their engagement with telehealth is a necessary determinant of how best to utilise telehealth in this population and may serve to inform policymakers to further develop and implement telehealth into practice. Future research on patients and healthcare professionals' views on telehealth use in the palliative stage of this illness may also be valuable. Impact Findings add value by providing healthcare providers with additional evidence to improve understanding of both telehealth complexity and human experiences and perceptions. It is anticipated that a deeper understanding of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients' experiences and perceptions will inform the development of strategies to maximise and enhance the application of patient‐centred telehealth within the context of coping and living with a debilitating condition. Patient or Public Contribution No patient or public contribution was utilised in this study.