Patient Adaptation Processes in Remote Monitoring Environments: A Computational Analysis

Although the literature reports various benefits of remote patient monitoring (RPM), patients experience challenges when transitioning disease management processes to a digital environment. This study employs a computational theory-building approach to develop a conceptual framework of RPM patients’ adaptation process. Through an analysis of patients’ text messages shared through an RPM system, we identified three major themes of topics, including environmental press, innate behavior, and learned behavior. We describe the pre-adaptive, adaptive and stable stages of patients’ adaptation process with reference to the changing patterns of three themes. The study has made both theoretical and practical contributions to improve understanding and delivery of remote health services.