This paper presents results from an evaluation of the care pathway for patients with COPD in the U4H project in Agder, Norway and may serve as a recommendation for future care pathways for COPD patients. Our evaluation was based on qualitative interviews and a review of key documents and research papers.
The care pathway included daily videoconference follow-ups for a period of 14 days, then a reduced follow-up for at least 16 more days. It contributed to increased accessibility, increased safety, and improved clinical insight for patients with COPD. However, we recommend a care pathway with room for more flexibility depending on individual needs, on the severity of COPD, and on what level of the services the patients already have. Patients should be able to be recruited from hospitals, home care services, and GPs. Video communication should be offered. Continuity in the follow-up is important for the sense of safety. The integration between specialist health care, home services, and GPs will become even more important in future telemedicine services as the number of patients increases.
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