Understanding the telehealth experience of care by people with ILD during the COVID-19 pandemic: what have we learnt?

BMC Pulm Med. 2023 Apr 6;23(1):113. doi: 10.1186/s12890-023-02396-6.

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid transformation of health services. This study aimed to understand the experiences of healthcare by people with interstitial lung disease (ILD), to inform future service delivery.

Methods: Four specialist clinics in tertiary centres in Australia (Victoria:2 sites; New South Wales: 1 site; Western Australia: 1 site) recruited patients with ILD during an 8-week period from March 2021. Participants completed a COVID-specific questionnaire focused on health-related experiences during 2020.

Results: Ninety nine (65% of 153) participants completed the questionnaire. 47% had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or connective tissue disease-associated ILD, 62% were female and the average age was 66 years. Whilst 56% rated their overall health in 2020 as the same as months prior, 38% indicated a worsening in health attributed to reduced physical activity and fear of contracting the virus. Access to healthcare professionals was 'good' in 61%, and 'fair-to-poor' for 37% due to missed respiratory assessments, with telehealth (mainly telephone) being perceived as less effective. 89% had contact with respiratory physicians, 68% with general practitioners, predominantly via telephone, with few video consultations. High satisfaction with care was reported by 78%, with lower satisfaction attributed to delays in assessments, disruption to usual services such as pulmonary rehabilitation, and dissatisfaction with telehealth.

Conclusion: People with ILD were generally satisfied with their care during 2020, however reduced access to healthcare professionals was challenging for those experiencing a deterioration in health. Telehealth was largely well received but did not always meet the needs of people with ILD particularly when unwell.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; Healthcare experiences; Interstitial lung disease; Pulmonary fibrosis.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • COVID-19*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis* / therapy
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / therapy
  • Male
  • Pandemics
  • Telemedicine* / methods