Supporting Access to Care Through Peripheral Devices and Patient-Generated Health Data: Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: In 2016, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented a national initiative to distribute video-enabled tablets and peripheral devices, such as blood pressure monitors and weighing scales, to patients facing geographic, clinical, or socioeconomic challenges. Such patients could potentially benefit from health monitoring in conjunction with video-based care, as peripheral devices offer opportunities to enrich care received during a video visit and support tracking of health-related data collected outside of clinical care, or patient-generated health data. However, little is known about experiences with the devices and how they could support improved access to care. OBJECTIVE: We explored patients' experiences with VA-issued peripheral devices and their impact on video-based care and health monitoring outside of clinical visits. METHODS: We conducted in-depth semistructured interviews among patients who received VA-issued tablets and peripheral devices between 2023 and 2024. Purposive sampling was used to gather views based on gender, age, race or ethnicity, and rurality. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis, guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. RESULTS: Among 25 patients, most received a blood pressure monitor (21/25, 84%), a weight scale (14/25, 56%), and/or a pulse oximetry device (12/25, 48%). The majority reported using their peripheral devices (23/25, 92%) and tablets (19/25, 76%) to monitor their vital signs and attend video visits. Qualitative analysis yielded ten themes reflecting experiences and impacts of the devices, organized by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology constructs: "effort expectancy" consisted of (1) familiar and easy to use devices and (2) challenges of Bluetooth pairing and measurement; "performance expectancy" consisted of (3) integration with video visits, (4) health monitoring for peace of mind, (5) perceptions of improved vital signs and lifestyle behaviors, (6) removing obstacles to in-person care, and (7) desiring an overall picture of health; "social influence" consisted of (8) fostering care team connections and (9) promoting awareness of tablets and peripheral devices; and "facilitating conditions" consisted of (10) supportive help desk infrastructure. Overall, patients described using peripheral devices during virtual visits by syncing data to the tablet for real-time access by their care team. They also reported manually tracking and sharing patient-generated health data with their care team. Despite some challenges with Bluetooth pairing, patients found the devices easy to use and contributed to improved health and motivation. Devices also reduced logistical burdens of in-person visits, especially for those with limited mobility, visual impairments, mental health needs, or transportation barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Patients perceive that peripheral devices can enhance video-based care and support health care access and chronic disease management. Patients reported benefits to health, behavior, and communication with care teams. To maximize the impact, program enhancements should prioritize device interoperability, accessible training, and expanded outreach.