From Values to Requirements: Co-creating Remote COPD Monitoring Solutions

Abstract Preventing COPD exacerbations is essential for patient well-being and reducing healthcare burden. A non-invasive breath analysis device is being co-created with patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) to support the early recognition of exacerbations through remote patient monitoring (RPM). This study aimed to identify key values related to this device and the associated COPD care process, and translate these into specific requirements. Patients (n = 63) and HCPs (n = 42) from the Netherlands and United Kingdom participated in three qualitative research activities: interviews, focus groups, and patient and public involvement (PPI) sessions. These aimed to : 1) explore and identify values; 2) validate values; and 3) translate them into requirements. Participants highlighted 38 device- and care process related values, these were grouped into nine categories; 1) Patient-centred care and patient outcomes, 2) User-friendliness and inclusivity, 3) Agreements on RPM responsibilities, 4) Patient empowerment, 5) Information provision and guidance, 6) Optimizing care delivery, 7) Implementation process, 8) HCP care provision, 9) Safety and reliability. Patients and HCPs translated the 38 values into 142 concrete products (e.g., device blocks after frequent use) and process (e.g., yearly personal check-in) requirements. This study demonstrates the active involvement of patients and HCPs in the early stages of development, supporting the alignment of RPM solutions with their values as well as existing COPD care processes. The findings provide a strong foundation for the development of digital innovations in COPD and other chronic pulmonary care, and offer transferable insights for co-creating patient-centred technologies beyond the breath analysis device.