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

This is a synthesis of qualitative studies, so it reports patients' experiences and perceptions, not whether telehealth improves symptoms, exacerbations, hospitalisation or survival. Only nine studies were included, and searches were limited to English-language publications because of time constraints. The original search target was end-stage respiratory disease, but the cohort was changed to advanced COPD because few relevant papers were found. The review excluded hospital or hospice in-patients connected to a hospital or healthcare professional portal, so findings may not apply to those settings. Included studies varied in telehealth type, setting and participant recruitment; some had low methodological scores or possible selection bias. The primary researcher was an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in respiratory care with an interest in telehealth, although reflexivity steps were taken. Findings may not apply to patients without internet access, smartphone access, adequate technology skills, or with functional decline that makes devices hard to use.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Do not read this as proof that telehealth improves COPD outcomes. It synthesises patient experiences and perceptions, and patients also reported barriers such as poor internet, cost, small screens, privacy worries and fixed call times.