A systems approach to developing user requirements for increased pulmonary rehabilitation uptake by COPD patients

TL;DR

This study uses a systems approach to create user requirements for increasing COPD patients' participation in pulmonary rehabilitation.

Contribution

The study introduces a systems-based method for developing solution-independent user requirements to improve PR uptake.

Findings

Eight user requirements were developed to address patient and practitioner needs regarding PR.

The requirements were validated in a stakeholder workshop and can be applied to similar interventions.

The systems approach shows potential for tackling other challenges in respiratory medicine.

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a progressive lung disease associated with anxiety, depression, and reduced health-related quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cost-effective and transformative treatment, but 31% of referred patients do not take up their PR appointment. The study aimed to develop user requirements for an intervention to increase PR uptake. A systems approach, the Engineering Better Care framework, was used to develop a system map of the PR pathway, translate evidence-based user needs into user requirements, and validate the user requirements in a stakeholder workshop. Eight user requirements addressed patient and health care practitioner needs to understand what PR entails, understand the benefits of PR and have positive conversations about PR to address patient concerns. The solution-independent user requirements can be applied to the development of any intervention sharing similar goals. The study demonstrates potential in taking a systems approach to more challenges within respiratory medicine.

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