Sustaining telehealth among cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services: a qualitative framework study.

Abstract

Semi-structured interviews (n = 8) and focus groups (n = 7) were conducted with 27 cardiac and pulmonary clinicians and managers from health services across Queensland between June-August 2021. Interview questions were guided by Greenhalgh's Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability framework. Hybrid inductive/deductive framework analysis elicited six main themes: 1. Variable levels of readiness; 2. Greater telehealth uptake in pulmonary versus cardiac rehabilitation; 3. Safety and risk management; 4. Client willingness - targeted support required; 5. Equity and access; and, 6. New models of care. We found sustained integration of telehealth in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation will require contributions from all stakeholders: consumers (e.g., co-design), clinicians (e.g. shared learning), health services (e.g., increasing platform functionality), and the profession (e.g., sharing resources). There are opportunities for telehealth programs servicing large geographic areas, and to increase program participation rates more broadly. Centralised models of care serving large geographic areas could maximise sustainability with current resource limitations; however, realising the full potential of telehealth will require additional funding for supporting infrastructure and workforce. Individuals and organisations both have roles to play in sustaining telehealth in cardiac and pulmonary services.