Telenursing intervention program
exacerbations, chronic respiratory failure
CHRONIC RESPIRATORY FAILURE
The telenursing intervention program implemented in this study used a telenursing system (COMPAS) developed by the authors. This program was also designed as a nursing intervention program to reduce acute exacerbations by integrating self-monitoring and self-management into the lifestyles of patients with chronic respiratory failure receiving NPPV on a proactive basis according to their individual physical and mental conditions. The program consists mainly of telemonitoring and telehealth counseling using a telenursing system over three months. The tablet devices used by the participants were provided by the researcher (M. S.). Once a day, each participant answered the questions displayed on the tablet from a list of options in approximately 10 min. Data on the physical condition, including vital signs, respiratory symptoms, food intake, excretion, medication use, physical symptoms other than respiratory symptoms, and questions to the medical staff, were sent to the server and collected. The transmitted data were monitored remotely, and nursing support was determined based on the results of each question item set in advanced consultation with the physician in charge.When a change in physical condition was observed, the condition was assessed using a videophone, telephone, or e-mail, and nursing support was provided based on the Respiratory Rehabilitation Manual [In cases of failure to enter data on the tablet device for more than 3 days, the participant was contacted by phone to determine the cause. If the problem could not be solved, we immediately called back and addressed the issue as soon as possible.Since the tablet device was provided by the researchers, they were collected following the completion of the intervention program, and all communication costs for this study were borne by the researchers. This program was supervised by several professionals during its development, including respiratory medicine specialists, nurses engaged in respiratory medicine, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.