Remote Patient Monitoring in Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Qualitative Assessment of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Patients’ Reported Experiences.

Abstract

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are pulmonary disorders characterised by progressive inflammatory/fibrotic deterioration, with a wide classification range. Globally, ILDs remain challenging due to complex diagnostics, limited treatments, and high mortality. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) of ILDs offers a promising way to detect deterioration and support disease management, but qualitative insights into patient experiences remain limited. This study aimed to qualitatively evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and experiences of RPM among patients with ILD. Twenty participants (mean age 59±13 years, 55% female, 25% IPF) were recruited from the University College London Hospital (UCLH) and monitored for six months with RADAR-Base mHealth platform, Garmin smartwatch, home-spirometer, and pulse oximeter. Semi-structured exit interviews were conducted with 15 participants, analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. RPM was feasible, acceptable, and participants reported increased health awareness. However, a recurrent ‘empowerment–anxiety paradox’ emerged, where continuous data increased both self-management confidence and anxiety when readings fluctuated. Participants identified the absence of timely clinician feedback as the primary unmet need. Physical burdens, such as spirometry discomfort or fatigue, and emotional burdens related to repetitive questionnaires and illness reminders were reported by participants. Privacy concerns were minimal and may reflect trust in recruiting clinicians. In addition to technical device synchronisation and enhanced patient education, future implementations should prioritise clinician feedback loops and electronic health record integration for better outcomes. Therefore, clinically integrated RPM with timely feedback holds a valuable potential for an enhanced system, sustained engagement and support care, which would benefit both patients and clinicians in future ILD care.