To use or not to use – a qualitative analysis of factors associated with using or not using an electronic health (eHealth) tool among people with COPD

Background: New strategies are urgently needed to support and to promote evidence-based treatment for people with COPD. The use of eHealth-tool solutions is promising. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the usage of eHealth tools over time. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and describe factors associated with using and not using an eHealth-tool among people with COPD. Method: The eHealth-tool (interactive web-page) included information on evidence-based treatment for people with COPD (texts, pictures, videos as well as interactive components such as a step registration function with automized feedback). After having access to the tool for three months, 16 individuals (12 women) with COPD were individually interviewed. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Factors associated with using the eHealth tool included interest or curiosity in computers or COPD-information, health status, and want for self-care strategies. The use of the step registration function was explicitly named as a source of motivation promoting use of the tool. Factors related to not using the tool included limited computer skills, technical issues, time, health status and disinterest in, or fear of, computers or COPD-information. Conclusion: Technical issues and personal factors, such as confidence in technique, prioritizing of time, as well as curiosity or fear of certain knowledge, can influence if an eHealth tool is used over time. A concrete reason to use the tool, in our case a step registration function, can be an essential facilitator to consider when introducing an eHealth-tool into the everyday life of a person with COPD.