Patients' experiences with a welfare technology application for remote home care: A longitudinal study

Aims and Objectives To explore the longitudinal experiences using an application named remote home care for remote palliative care among patients with cancer living at home. Background Introducing welfare technology in home-based care for patients with cancer in the palliative phase is internationally suggested as a measure to remotely support palliative care needs. However, little is known about the experiences of patients utilising welfare technology applications to receive home-based care from healthcare professionals in a community care context. Although living with cancer in the palliative phase often presents rapidly changing ailments, emotions and challenges with patients' needs changing accordingly, no studies exploring the longitudinal experiences of patients were found. Design A qualitative study with a longitudinal, exploratory design. Methods Data were collected through individual interviews with 11 patients over 16 weeks. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The COREQ checklist guided the reporting of the study. Results Three themes were identified: (1) potential to facilitate self-governance of life-limiting illness in daily life, (2) need for interpersonal relationships and connections, and (3) experiences of increased responsibility and unclear utility of the Remote Home Care. Conclusion The results showed that remote home care facilitated patients' daily routines, symptom control and improved illness-management at home. Interpersonal relationships with healthcare professionals were considered pivotal for satisfactory follow-up. Infrastructural glitches regarding data access, information sharing and lack of continuous adjustments of the application represented major challenges, with the potential to impose a burden on patients with cancer in the palliative phase. Relevance to Clinical Practice By exploring the experiences of patients in palliative care over time as the disease progresses, this study provides constructive insights for the design and development of welfare technology applications and optimal care strategies. Patient or Public Contribution The remote home care was developed by interdisciplinary healthcare professionals. What does this paper contribute to the wider global clinical community? A longitudinal study of patients' experiences of using an application for remote palliative care at home with follow-up from municipality healthcare professionals. The study demonstrates that applications for remote palliative care at home has the potential of providing patients with enhanced routines and control when managing their illness at home. When applications for remote palliative care are planned and implemented in patients with severe illness, such as cancer in the palliative phase, this study argue that a person-centred approach is crucial for the experiences of supportive care.