Patient's Perceptions of a Centralized Virtual Ward for Remote Patient Monitoring in Primary Care: Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Digital Health
• Primary Health Care

Background:

• Remote patient monitoring (RPM) aims to reduce clinic visits and enhance proactive care for chronic diseases.
• Decentralized RPM in primary health care (PHC) settings has faced scalability challenges.
• This study explores centralized virtual ward (CVW)-led RPM utilizing multidisciplinary teams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand patient perceptions of CVW-led RPM for chronic disease management in PHC.
• To identify key factors influencing patient experience with CVW-led RPM.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative content analysis of in-depth interviews with 22 chronic disease patients.
• Study conducted within a PHC center in Stockholm, Sweden (October 2018 - April 2019).
• Interviews utilized a semistructured guide; 395 patients were part of the overall RPM project.

Main Results:

• Patients reported CVW contact as secure and accessible, yet impersonal.
• A significant theme identified was 'Sense of security and accessibility, but impersonal and uncoordinated'.
• Lack of coordination and communication between CVW clinicians and PHC providers was noted.

Conclusions:

• CVW-led RPM can enhance security and accessibility for chronic disease patients.
• Addressing patient needs for improved patient-caregiver communication is vital.
• Optimizing organizational routines can help realize the full potential of CVW-led RPM.