A Qualitative Study of the Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals on Features of Digital Health Interventions to Support Physical Activity in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Introduction: Digital health interventions may support physical activity among solid organ transplant recipients. These interventions should be designed with users in mind, including healthcare professionals who counsel transplant recipients on physical activity to ensure acceptance and to promote an optimal user experience. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of health care providers on the features of digital health interventions that would be useful in the promotion, implementation, and maintenance of physical activity among solid organ transplant recipients. Methods: This qualitative, cross-sectional study used semistructured interviews that were conducted remotely, via videoconferencing software, with providers who worked with transplant recipients. Interviews were transcribed, and an iterative-inductive, thematic analysis was used to identify common themes. Data were coded using NVivo software. Findings: Thirteen providers participated in this study. Four main themes were identified: (a) Physical activity and exercise features (eg, physical activity guidelines, and exercise instructions); (b) credibility; (c) self-management; and (d) user engagement. Potential barriers to using digital health interventions included staffing requirements, professional regulatory issues, cost, perceived low patient motivation to use, and lack of technological literacy or access. Discussion: Digital health interventions were perceived to be a potential adjunct to current physical activity counseling practices, and part of an innovative strategy to address identified barriers to physical activity participation in solid organ transplant recipients.

Online resources as a source of information for exercise and physical activity in solid organ transplant recipients

“…These results are similar to a study evaluating the content of online information on physical activity in osteoporosis, which found that the majority of webpages presented information inconsistent with established exercise guidelines ( 25 ). According to a qualitative study of the perspectives of healthcare professionals on digital health interventions to support physical activity in SOT, a suitable intervention should include features that promote self-management including physical activity monitoring, tailored education, and access to behavioural change strategies ( 26 ). However, only a minority of websites and videos discussed safety considerations and educational aspects of exercise and physical activity.…”

Perceptions of barriers to and facilitators of exercise rehabilitation in adults with lung transplantation: a qualitative study in China

“…Furthermore, Wickerson et al [ 44 ] found high levels of utilization and satisfaction with tele-rehabilitation among LTx patients. This indicates that internet platforms and digital health tools [ 21 , 45 ] (such as artificial intelligence, digital medicine, big data, etc.) can be leveraged to implement remote pulmonary rehabilitation interventions and care plans [ 46 ] for LTx patients.…”