Interaction between COPD patients and healthcare professionals in a cross-sector tele-rehabilitation programme

This paper explores how technology affects the interaction between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and healthcare professionals in a cross-sector tele-rehabilitation programme. The qualitative analysis has shown that a community of rehabilitation can be created despite the presence of long-distance technology. In the tele-rehabilitation programme, the interaction between the COPD patients at home and the healthcare professionals at the clinic has evolved with dialogue as the basis for mutual learning processes and new relationships. Managed properly, rehabilitation at a distance can be both effective and satisfying.