Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives on Implementation of Home Monitoring in Individuals with Pulmonary Fibrosis

Introduction Home monitoring of physical parameters, symptoms, and quality of life by individuals with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) could overcome gaps in clinical care by early detecting disease deterioration, guiding patient management, and improving access to specialized care. However, its global adoption in clinical practice is lacking. The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perspectives on implementing home monitoring for individuals with PF. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with HCPs. Transcripts were analysed through an inductive-deductive qualitative thematic analysis using the NASSS framework, which enables a systematic approach to analyse barriers and facilitating factors, that may hamper the implementation of technological innovations. Results Thirty HCPs from eighteen interstitial lung disease clinics in the Netherlands were interviewed, reflecting varying levels of experience with home monitoring. They were positive towards the implementation of home monitoring for individuals with PF, favouring a tailored hybrid care approach. HCPs preferred incorporating home spirometry and alerts for deterioration. Different barriers were identified to implement home monitoring and hybrid care pathways, including technical challenges, such as reduced reliability of home spirometry in certain patients, and concerns about replacing care for progressive or unstable patients. HCPs emphasized the need for a coordinated hybrid care pathway and they advocated for strong evidence on cost-effectiveness and quality of hybrid care models. Discussion Home monitoring is considered valuable in the management of PF. Identified preferences, barriers, and facilitators can be used to inform strategies for sustainable implementation of home monitoring in clinical practice.