Recommendation for NHSScotland

The complex nature of home health monitoring (HHM), heterogeneity of the evidence and uncertainties around the cost effectiveness of HHM make it difficult to advise on its use in patients with COPD in NHSScotland at this time.

Future research should be carefully designed to identify the most important components of the HHM interventions and their cost, long-term effects, the characteristics of patients most likely to benefit and their satisfaction and preferences.

NHSScotland is required to consider the Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) advice.

What were we asked to look at?

What is the clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness, safety and patient satisfaction of home health monitoring compared with usual care for patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

Why is this important?

In 2012/2013, practice team information data estimated that about 20 women and 18 men per 1,000 patients, across all ages, consulted a general practitioner or practice nurse at least once due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Scottish Government’s national telehealth and telecare delivery plan includes an objective to expand home health monitoring (HHM) across Scotland. 

Referred by

Quality and Efficiency Support Team, Healthcare Improvement Scotland