A person with COPD is comfortably monitored at home, thanks to telehealth.

Telemonitoring for COPD: Bridging the Distance to Better Breathing

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Theo Raines in Health & Wellness September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Can keeping tabs from afar improve outcomes for COPD patients? Discover how telemonitoring is changing the game in early supported discharge."


Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects millions worldwide, posing significant challenges for healthcare systems. Traditional management often involves lengthy hospital stays, followed by home care. However, innovative approaches are emerging to streamline care and improve patient outcomes. Telemonitoring, a technology-driven method, offers a promising avenue for managing COPD patients, especially during the critical transition from hospital to home.

Telemonitoring involves using technology to remotely monitor a patient's health status. Devices like home-based monitoring pods collect data on vital signs, symptoms, and adherence to medication. This information is then transmitted to healthcare providers, enabling them to track patient progress and intervene proactively.

A study published in 'Thorax' explored the effectiveness of telemonitoring in assisting early supported discharge (ESD) for patients admitted with an exacerbation of COPD. The study investigated the impact of telemonitoring on readmission rates, workload, patient satisfaction, and self-care abilities. Here’s a breakdown of what the research revealed and what it means for COPD management.

Telemonitoring's Impact on COPD Early Discharge

A person with COPD is comfortably monitored at home, thanks to telehealth.

The 'Thorax' study focused on integrating telemonitoring into the COPD early support discharge (ESD) team at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust. Seventeen HomePods were deployed for a 12-month pilot, targeting patients who could use the technology. Each patient used a HomePod for 30 days, receiving remote, real-time monitoring. This setup allowed healthcare providers to keep a close watch on patients without constant in-person visits.

The telemonitoring intervention led to notable improvements:

  • Reduced Readmission Rates: 30-day readmission rates in the telemonitoring group were 3%, compared to 8% in other ESD patients and 18% in the Respiratory directorate.
  • Workload Management: Telehealth group accounted for 5% of all home visits and 25% of all phone calls made by CAST. The capacity of CAST was increased from 15 Cases to 18 cases at any one time (20%)
  • Increased Capacity: CAST (COPD early support discharge) team saw a capacity increase from 15 to 18 cases at any time (20%)
  • Enhanced Self-Care and Satisfaction: Patient surveys indicated excellent satisfaction and increased confidence in self-care. Patients also provided valuable suggestions for improving the telehealth system.
These results suggest that telemonitoring can significantly enhance the effectiveness of early supported discharge programs for COPD patients. By reducing readmission rates and optimizing healthcare resource allocation, telemonitoring offers a compelling solution for improving patient outcomes and easing the burden on healthcare systems.

The Future of COPD Care: Is Telemonitoring the Answer?

Telemonitoring represents a significant step forward in COPD management. By enabling remote monitoring and early intervention, it improves patient outcomes and optimizes healthcare resource allocation. The 'Thorax' study highlights the potential of telemonitoring in assisting early supported discharge, reducing readmission rates, and enhancing patient satisfaction.

As technology advances, telemonitoring systems will become more sophisticated and user-friendly, further expanding their reach and impact. Integrating wearable sensors, AI-powered analytics, and personalized feedback mechanisms will enable even more proactive and tailored COPD care.

Telemonitoring isn't just a technological advancement; it's a shift towards more patient-centered, proactive, and efficient healthcare. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, telemonitoring will likely play an increasingly vital role in improving the lives of individuals living with COPD.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What exactly does telemonitoring involve for someone with COPD, and how does it differ from traditional monitoring?

Telemonitoring uses devices like HomePods to gather data on a patient's vital signs, symptoms, and how well they're sticking to their medications. This data is then sent to healthcare providers, who can track the patient's progress and step in if needed. Unlike traditional in-person visits, Telemonitoring offers a way to keep a close watch on patients remotely.

2

How effective is telemonitoring in reducing readmission rates for COPD patients following early discharge, according to the 'Thorax' study?

The 'Thorax' study showed that telemonitoring, using HomePods, led to a lower 30-day readmission rate of just 3% compared to 8% in other COPD early support discharge (ESD) patients and 18% in the Respiratory directorate. Telemonitoring has shown to improve self-care and satisfaction of patients. This indicates that telemonitoring can significantly improve the effectiveness of early supported discharge programs.

3

How does telemonitoring impact the workload and capacity of COPD early support discharge (CAST) teams?

The COPD early support discharge (CAST) team saw an increase in capacity from 15 to 18 cases when telemonitoring was introduced, which translates to a 20% increase. Furthermore, the telehealth group accounted for 5% of all home visits and 25% of all phone calls made by CAST. Telemonitoring helps optimize how healthcare resources are used, which can alleviate the burden on healthcare systems.

4

What are the broader implications of telemonitoring for the future of COPD care and management?

Telemonitoring, specifically through the use of devices like HomePods, offers the potential for real-time data collection and analysis, enabling quicker and more informed decisions. This can lead to more personalized treatment plans, reduced hospital readmissions, and improved overall quality of life for those with COPD. If integrated effectively, it could transform COPD management.

5

What are the limitations of the 'Thorax' study on telemonitoring for COPD, and what areas need further research?

The 'Thorax' study primarily focuses on the impact of telemonitoring in the context of early supported discharge (ESD) for COPD patients using HomePods, but doesn't deeply explore the long-term effects on disease progression or the integration of more advanced sensor technologies. Also, the study focused on the Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust. Future research could investigate these aspects to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Telemonitoring's role in COPD care.

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