Using Qualitative Research Methods to Improve Home Telemonitoring

This study explores to what extent qualitative research methods provide effective tools in improving telemedicine systems aimed at monitoring patients at home. Using qualitative methods we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews in 13 patients using Telephone-Linked Care for Diet Adherence in Dyslipidemia (TLC-DietAid) and Home Asthma Telemonitoring (HAT) systems. Our results demonstrated that the data derived from the in-depth interviews conducted with patients/users enabled the investigators to identify major patient concerns regarding home telemonitoring and to improve and refine the design of both systems.