Sobnath, D.

In the UK, about 3 million people live with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Informal carers such as family and friends play a vital role in promoting well-being among older adults suffering from COPD. However, difficulties experienced by caregivers are increasing and affecting their quality of life. New technologies and innovations such as m-health have the potential in reducing the burden of these carers.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a growing health concern worldwide. Telehealth can facilitate integrated COPD care by providing an opportunity for remote monitoring, early diagnosis and clinical intervention. A design for a telehealth-based system called Wearable Sensing and Smart Cloud Computing for Integrated Care to COPD Patients with Co-morbidities (WELCOME) has been proposed. This study identifies patients', informal carers' and HCPs' acceptance of and requirements for the WELCOME system in four European countries: the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Greece and Netherlands.

We propose WELCOME, an innovative integrated care platform using wearable sensors and smart cloud computing for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients with co-morbidities. WELCOME aims to bring about a change in the reactive nature of the management of chronic diseases and its comorbidities, in particular through the development of a patient centred and proactive approach to COPD management.