Healthcare provider experiences of deploying a continuous remote patient monitoring pilot program during the COVID-19 pandemic: a structured qualitative analysis

Abstract

Objective: To describe the healthcare provider (HCP) experience of launching a COVID-19 remote patient monitoring (CRPM) program during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with eight HCPs involved in deploying the CRPM pilot program in the Military Health System (MHS) from June to December 2020. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically using an inductive approach. We then deductively mapped themes from interviews to the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results: We identified the following main themes mapped to CFIR domains listed in parentheses: external and internal environments (outer and inner settings), processes around implementation (implementation process domain), the right people (individuals domain), and program characteristics (innovation domain). Participants believed that buy-in from leadership and HCPs was critical for successful program implementation. HCP participants showed qualities of clinical champions and believed in the CRPM program.

Conclusion: The MHS deployed a successful remote patient monitoring pilot program during the global COVID-19 pandemic. HCPs found the CRPM program and the technology enabling the program to be acceptable, feasible, and usable. HCP participants exhibited characteristics of clinical champions. Leadership engagement was the most often-cited key factor for successful program implementation.

Keywords: digital health; feasibility studies; implementation science; pilot programs; qualitative research; remote patient monitoring; telehealth; telemedicine.