ECOPD: User requirements of older people with COPD for ehealth support at home, a user-centred study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: For people with chronic diseases such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), eHealth provides new opportunities for self-management. Although sufficient research on COPD self-management exists, COPD telehealth research is primarily based on ‘care at a distance’ as directed by health professionals and technicians; it is less based on user needs of older people. OBJECTIVE: Aims were to explore the requirements of older people for eHealth support, and through this to promote self-management and enhance quality of life. METHODS: An explorative user-centred design approach was used, combining focus groups (n=17) with surveys (n=69), involving COPD patients aged 55 to 90, to elicit key criteria for eHealth support. RESULTS: Respondents provided specific needs and wishes for eHealth; they reported activities and problems for which they could use support. For them, eHealth should increase their sense of security, provide opportunities for questions and alerts, and increase confidence in their knowledge and abilities. CONCLUSIONS: Older people do want self-management support at home, to stay more independent and active. A user-centred design approach enables older persons to identify key requirements for eHealth support. Additional research will be conducted to complete this approach, to contribute to recommendations on form and contents of ‘eCOPD’ self-management support.