[Telemedicine and lung transplanted patients: A feasibility study]

Abstract

Background: Lung transplant patients are characterized by a high use of healthcare resources and an elevated rate of hospitalization. In lung transplant recipients, spirometry home monitoring has been advocated for the early detection of acute infection and rejection of the allograft. We will test a new system that allows regular monitoring of the patient's pulmonary status at home after discharge from hospital.

Methods: This study will be prospective and in addition to usual healthcare. The main aim of this feasibility study will be to evaluate the compliance of patients in performing three spirometric measurements per week. Patients will have received a lung transplant more than three months prior to entering the study. The home equipment will comprise a data transmitting box (Twitoo(®)) and a spirometer. A decrease of 10% from baseline in one or more parameters will generate an alarm, which will lead to the transplant physician calling the patient and possibly inviting him to the hospital.

Expected results: The feasibility will be considered as acceptable for an average compliance of 70%. The coefficient of variation and the number of spiro-measurements will be adjusted according to the results obtained.

Keywords: Adherence; Faisabilité; Feasibility procedure; Lung transplantation; Observance; Telemedicine; Transplantation pulmonaire; Télémédecine.