Uptake of telehealth implementation for COPD patients in a high-poverty, inner-city environment: A survey

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate computer and internet access and education attained in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as potential barriers to implementation of telemedicine. We prospectively assessed 98 patients admitted with an acute exacerbation of COPD (mean age: 70.5 ± 9.3 years; force expired volume in the first second: 0.75 ± 0.39 L; 59% male) recording educational level attained and home computer and internet access. Hospital readmission surveillance occurred up to 2.7 (2.6–2.8) years following the index hospital admission. Only 16% of patients had a computer and only 14% had internet access; this group were younger and more educated than those without a c..