Feasibility and patient perspectives on telerehabilitation for COPD in Greenland.

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents a significant health burden in Greenland. Pulmonary telerehabilitation (PTR) provides an evidence-based, feasible approach to deliver care to the geographically dispersed population. This mixed-method study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of PTR for individuals with COPD in Greenland, combining quantitative evaluation of adherence, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes with qualitative interviews and a field log. Seven participants were enrolled in the 10-week program; four completed it. Satisfaction was high and clinical outcomes improved. Participants reported increased self-efficacy and perceived the intervention as effective for disease management. However, dropout rate was high, technical issues were frequent, and some found online sessions less engaging, expressing a desire for more peer support and structural incentives to sustain motivation beyond the program. In this small sample, PTR appeared to be an acceptable and valuable addition to COPD care in Greenland. However, questions remain about the suitability of this approach for the broader population, given Greenland's telehealth infrastructure and digital readiness. Future efforts should focus on strengthening peer support and sustained engagement beyond programs. Considering digital health literacy and user readiness is essential for telerehabilitation efforts in Greenland.