Sustained engagement with long-term home telemonitoring (HTM) by patients with COPD

The feasibility of HTM in respiratory patients may be affected by poor adherence and variable data quality (Williams, ERJ OpenRes 2023). We have previously reported good adherence & quality of spirometry over 4 months (Raywood, Thorax 2023). We now report long term (>1year) feasibility, adherence & spirometry quality during HTM for patients with COPD, in a semi-rural area in the UK. <bold>Methods:</bold> In 2022 community specialist nurses referred 64 patients with COPD. 54 patients (30 female), mean age 68y, FEV₁ 37%pred, were onboarded & coached by a HTM company physiologist over 1-2 phone calls or videoconferencing. Patient's daily step count (Fitbit Inspire 2), SpO₂, questionnaires & weekly home spirometry (NuvoAir Air Next Spirometer) were recorded in an app on the patient’s phone. The physiologist reviewed data daily, supported engagement & shared insights/alerts with the clinical team as needed. <bold>Results:</bold> Over a median of 496 days (IQR 412-591); 4 patients withdrew for technical issues, 3 because of poor/no use, 3 died. The remaining 44 patients had 71% median spirometry adherence with 76% of spirometry tests graded A-C, with increasing quality over time. Daily Fitbit uploads were lower, median 51%, however were also maintained (Figure). <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/OA1050/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig> <bold>Figure</bold> Adherence to HTM <bold>Conclusions:</bold> Using simple technology with specialists onboarding and new ways of collaboration, we have shown that people with severe COPD have high and sustained engagement with HTM.