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. 2025 Jul 9;17(7):e87593.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.87593. eCollection 2025 Jul.

Acceptance of Pulmonary Telerehabilitation Among Healthcare Practitioners

Gayathri Pandurangam  1 , Swathi Gurajala  1 , Laila Almarhoon  1 , Leenah Hassan  1 , Talah Aljaloud  1 , Rahaf Aljadani  1 , Walaa Alshahrani  1 , Shoug Y Al Humoud  1 , Sally Yusef Abdulrahman Abed  1
Affiliations

Acceptance of Pulmonary Telerehabilitation Among Healthcare Practitioners

Gayathri Pandurangam et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Introduction: Pulmonary rehabilitation is a clinical approach designed to support individuals with chronic respiratory diseases through structured exercise and educational strategies. Pulmonary telerehabilitation (PTR) represents a remote adaptation of this approach, offering services through virtual platforms. This model may enhance patient engagement and adherence due to its convenience and accessibility. However, its implementation remains inconsistent across healthcare institutions, potentially limiting its benefits for both healthcare providers and patients. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of acceptance and identify the factors and barriers influencing the intention of healthcare practitioners (HCPs) to use PTR in Saudi Arabia.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCPs involved in pulmonary rehabilitation across Saudi Arabia between August 2024 and May 2025. Participants completed an online questionnaire using the pre-validated Tele Pulmonary Rehabilitation Acceptance Scale (TPRAS), which measures behavioral intention (BI) as the dependent variable, and perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) as independent variables. Linear regression analysis was applied to examine the impact of PU and PEOU on BI.

Results: A total of 59 practitioners participated in the study. Among them, 82.77% demonstrated a strong willingness to engage with PTR. PU was identified as the most influential factor shaping behavioral intention. Of the HCPs, 76.27% accepted the PEOU of PTR equipment, while 81.35% of HCPs had positive BI to use PTR. Commonly cited challenges included unstable internet connectivity and limited patient engagement.

Conclusion: The intention among HCPs to implement PTR appears to be strongly associated with their perceptions of its usefulness and ease of application. Addressing identified barriers could further support the adoption of this technology in clinical practice.

Keywords: behavioral intention (bi); health care practitioners; pulmonary rehabilitation; technology acceptance model.; tele-rehabilitation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Informed consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Review Board, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University issued approval IRB-UGS-2025-03-0038. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. A model predicting participants’ intention to use pulmonary telerehabilitation.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Professional vs. pulmonary rehabilitation experience of healthcare professionals
PR: pulmonary rehabilitation
Figure 3
Figure 3. . Responses to the questionnaire on perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and behavioral intention on a five-point Likert scale.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Barriers to using PTR among HCPs
PTR: pulmonary telerehabilitation; HCP: healthcare professionals
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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