The patient's perspective of remote respiratory assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Forced vital capacity (FVC) is an essential respiratory measurement for assessment and monitoring of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Our clinic rapidly implemented remote assessment of FVC after COVID-19 related restrictions on respiratory testing were imposed, using mini-spirometers and video consultation. We sought to evaluate the patient's experiences of performing remote respiratory assessments to guide future development and optimisation of the service. Twenty-five patients completed surveys. The mean age was 65.2 years and average time from diagnosis was 17.04 (2–99) months. Seventy-two percent (n = 18) required help from a caregiver to perform the tests. Ninety-two percent (n = 23) of patients reported that overall, they were satisfied and were happy to continue with remote respiratory assessment. Reducing the number of clinic visits for review and assessment was valued by 92% (n = 23) and reducing the risk associated with COVID-19 was valued by 96% (n = 24). The highest frequency reported as acceptable for performing the remote breathing assessments was monthly (60%, n = 15), followed by every second month (28%, n = 7). Remote respiratory testing is viewed positively by patients. These technologies used in combination with video-consultations and other novel forms of remote monitoring implemented in response to the COVID-19 crisis will continue to be valuable tools for clinical care in future. However, further evaluation of the validity of remote respiratory assessment is required.

Keywords:

• Respiratory assessment
• COVID-19
• telemedicine
• therapy
• ventilation
• biomarker

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to sincerely thank the patients and carers who used the service and who gave their time to engage with this evaluation. The authors wish to thank the multidisciplinary team at Beaumont hospital and particularly the Clinical Nurse Specialists who supported the service development. The authors wish to thank the I.T. support services at Beaumont Hospital for enabling access to technology, software, and support.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.