Managing COPD Exacerbations with Telemedicine

Implementation of Activity Sensor Equipment in the Homes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

INTRODUCTION

Telemedicine care models for managing advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may benefit from the addition of motion sensing, spirometry, and tablet-based symptom diary tracking.

METHODS

We conducted a feasibility study of telemedicine in the home setting using multiple activity sensor monitoring equipment. Deployment and monitoring were supported by home health nurses with technical advice from the equipment makers as needed. Data analytics for motion sensing was provided by the research sponsor, but was not used for care decisions. On study intake, a health risk assessment, Quality of Life (SF-36) survey, and the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire were administered to assess patients' self-perception of quality of life, activities of daily life function, and difficulty living with COPD.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were enrolled and data were gathered for a minimum of 6 months and maximum of 9 months. The researchers demonstrated that augmentation of traditional telemedicine methods with motion sensing, spirometry, and symptom diaries appears feasible. The technical, process, logistics barriers, and solutions required for system deployment are described. The researchers demonstrated that augmentation of traditional telemedicine methods with motion sensing, spirometry, and symptom diaries appears feasible.

CONCLUSIONS

Further exploration will be needed to determine the value of this information in preventing outcomes relevant to patients.