Patients’ perception of using telehealth for type 2 diabetes management: a phenomenological study
Open accessAbstract
BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of evidence that supports the uses of telehealth to monitor and manage people with diabetes at a distance. Despite this, the uptake of telehealth has been low. The objective of this study is to explore patients' perceptions of using telehealth for type 2 diabetes management. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 10 patients from the NHS Newham area in London, UK. Data were collected using recorded semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and the analysis was guided by the phenomenological analysis approach. RESULTS: We identified three main themes for facilitating positive patient experience or acceptance of telehealth and these included: technology consideration, service perceptions and empowerment. All patients asserted that they were pleased with the technology and many also proclaimed that they could not see themselves being without it. Moreover, very few negative views were reported with respect to the use of telehealth. CONCLUSION: The patients' perceived telehealth as a potential to enhance their quality of life, allow them to live independently at home as well as help them take and be in more control over their own health state. The findings of this study therefore supports the use of telehealth for the routine care of people with type 2 diabetes. However, one must interpret the results with caution due to limitations identified in the sample.
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
The 'improved care' theme was identified in seven of nine included studies.
“The “improved care” theme was identified in seven of nine studies. [19–23, 25, 26]”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
Communication emerged as a theme in five studies.
““Communication” emerged as a theme in five studies. [21–23, 25, 26]”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
In studies where doctors were not the main contact points, there was a lack of communication between staff, with patients repeating themselves to different staff members and perceiving that HCPs were not working together with those monitoring the readings.
“Some studies in which doctors were not the main contact points reported a “lack of communication between staff’’, [25] with patients repeating themselves to different staff members, resulting in the perception that HCPs were “not working together” with those monitoring the readings. [25]”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
Views on communication were inconsistent across studies; some patients found communication difficult or received minimal patient/HCP contact.
“However, this view was inconsistent across studies; for example, some patients found communication difficult [25] or received minimal patient/HCP contact. [23]”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
Dietary alterations or improvements were a common outcome among several studies.
“Dietary alterations/improvements were a common outcome among several studies. [19, 20, 23, 25]”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
The technology acceptability and feasibility theme arose in six studies and comprised three sub-themes: convenience and acceptability, technology feasibility, and barriers of rural areas.
“This theme arose in six studies [19, 22–25, 27] and comprise the following sub-themes: (1) Convenience & Acceptability; (2) Technology feasibility; and (3) Barriers of rural areas.”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
Telemonitoring increased patients' awareness of their health, leading them to make improved lifestyle changes.
“Several patients expressed that telemonitoring increased their awareness of their health and consequently they made improved lifestyle changes. [19, 20, 23, 25, 26]”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
Numerous patients with diabetes actively reduced dietary sugar intake when raised blood glucose levels were identified through the telemonitoring device.
“Numerous patients with diabetes sought to actively reduce dietary sugar intake when raised blood glucose levels were identified through the telemonitoring device. [20, 23, 25]”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
Telemonitoring increased patients' sense of security, with patients feeling more relaxed knowing their health parameters were being monitored.
“Four studies identified an increased sense of security. [20, 22, 25, 26] with patients feeling more relaxed knowing telemonitoring was enabling increased monitoring of their health parameters.”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
Some participants, both HCPs and patients, thought telemonitoring was fantastic, finding it easy and quick to access, particularly compared to the difficulties of phoning doctors.
“Some participants (both HCPs and patients) thought using telemonitoring was “fantastic”, [22] finding it easy and quick to access, particularly in comparison to the difficulties of phoning doctors. [25]”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
Some patients and HCPs expressed concerns over data confidentiality.
“Some patients and HCPs expressed concerns over data confidentiality. [22, 24, 25]”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
Concerns about the telemonitoring intervention were commonly reported across two sub-themes: privacy and security of personal data, and generational differences.
“Concerns about the telemonitoring intervention were commonly reported [19, 22, 24, 25] across two sub-themes: (1) Privacy and security of personal data; and (2) Generational differences.”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
Three studies suggested that the barrier of device difficulty could be better managed with improved education and support.
“Three studies [24, 25, 27] however, suggested this barrier could be better managed with improved education and support.”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
The importance of education regarding device usage was highlighted in three studies, though this is likely dependent on the specific devices used.
“Whilst this is likely to be dependent on specific devices used, the importance of education regarding device usage was highlighted in three studies. [24, 25, 27]”
From Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis (2023) · cites this paper as [25]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
The self-check needs the paper’s full text.
Cites
The descriptive phenomenological method in psychology: a modified Husserlian approach
(2010) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.47-2874 · Cited by 1,738 · see citing works
Common Genetic Variation In Cellular Transport Genes and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) Risk
Chornokur, G., Lin, H., Tyrer, J. P., Lawrenson, K., Dennis, J., Amankwah, E. K., Qu, X., Tsai, Y.-Y., Jim, H., Chen, Z., et al. (2015) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0128106 · Cited by 907 · see citing works
Hex, N., Bartlett, C., Wright, D., Taylor, M., & Varley, D. (2012) · Diabetic Medicine · doi:10.1111/j.1464-5491.2012.03698.x · Cited by 819 · see citing works
Systematic review of studies of patient satisfaction with telemedicine
Mair, F. (2000) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.320.7248.1517 · Cited by 734 · see citing works
Adoption of telemedicine: from pilot stage to routine delivery
Zanaboni, P., & Wootton, R. (2012) · BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making · doi:10.1186/1472-6947-12-1 · Cited by 317 · see citing works
Personalized Telehealth in the Future: A Global Research Agenda
Dinesen, B., Nonnecke, B. M., Lindeman, D. A., Toft, E. S., Kidholm, K., Jethwani, K., Young, H. M., Spindler, H., Oestergaard, C. U., Southard, J. A., et al. (2016) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/jmir.5257 · Cited by 300 · see citing works
Lindberg, B., Nilsson, C., Wahlberg, D. Z., Söderberg, S., & Skär, L. (2013) · International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications · doi:10.1155/2013/461829 · Cited by 236 · see citing works
MRC Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice in Clinical Trials
Vere, D. (1999) · Journal of Medical Ethics · doi:10.1136/jme.25.3.280-a · Cited by 160 · see citing works
Orruño, E., Gagnon, M. P., Asua, J., & Abdeljelil, A. B. (2011) · Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare · doi:10.1258/jtt.2011.101101 · Cited by 105 · see citing works
Greenwood, D. A., Young, H. M., & Quinn, C. C. (2014) · Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology · doi:10.1177/1932296813519311 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
Brunton, L., Bower, P., & Sanders, C. (2015) · PLOS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0139561 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
Health Technologies for Monitoring and Managing Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Russell-Minda, E., Jutai, J., Speechley, M., Bradley, K., Chudyk, A., & Petrella, R. (2009) · Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology · doi:10.1177/193229680900300628 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
Huang, Z., Tao, H., Meng, Q., & Jing, L. (2015) · European Journal of Endocrinology · doi:10.1530/eje-14-0441 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
Gale, N., & Sultan, H. (2013) · Health & Place · doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2013.01.006 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Diabetes Management Using Modern Information and Communication Technologies and New Care Models
Spanakis, E. G., Chiarugi, F., Kouroubali, A., Spat, S., Beck, P., Asanin, S., Rosengren, P., Gergely, T., & Thestrup, J. (2012) · Interactive Journal of Medical Research · doi:10.2196/ijmr.2193 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
Patients' Use of Self-Monitored Readings for Managing Everyday Life with COPD: A Qualitative Study
Huniche, L., Dinesen, B., Nielsen, C., Grann, O., & Toft, E. S. (2013) · Telemedicine Journal and e-Health · doi:10.1089/tmj.2012.0135 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Dario, C., Luisotto, E., Pozzo, E. D., Mancin, S., Aletras, V. H., Newman, S. P., Gubian, L., & Saccavini, C. (2016) · International Journal of Integrated Care · doi:10.5334/ijic.2219 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Primary Care Providers’ Perceptions of Home Diabetes Telemedicine Care in the IDEATel Project
Tudiver, F. G., Wolff, L. T., Morin, P. C., Teresi, J. A., Palmas, W., Starren, J. B., Shea, S. A., & Weinstock, R. S. (2007) · The Journal of Rural Health · doi:10.1111/j.1748-0361.2006.00068.x · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Qualitative study of telemonitoring of blood glucose and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes
Hanley, J., Fairbrother, P., McCloughan, L., Pagliari, C., Paterson, M., Pinnock, H., Sheikh, A., Wild, S., & McKinstry, B. (2015) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008896 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Fitzsimmons, D. A., Thompson, J., Bentley, C. L., & Mountain, G. A. (2016) · BMC Health Services Research · doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1623-z · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Internet Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems Provide Lasting Glycemic Benefit in Type 1 and 2 Diabetes
Tildesley, H. D., Po, M. D., & Ross, S. A. (2014) · Medical Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2014.08.019 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Telehealth as a tool for independent self-management by people living with long term conditions.
Bond, C. (2014) · PubMed · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Brettle, A., Brown, T., Hardiker, N. R., Radcliffe, J., & Smith, C. (2013) · SHURA (Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive) (Sheffield Hallam University) · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Steventon, A., Billings, J., Dixon, J., & Bardsley, M. (2012) · International Journal of Integrated Care · doi:10.5334/ijic.955 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Lee, A. Y. L., Wong, A. K. C., Hung, T. T. M., Yan, J., & Yang, S. (2022) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/40364 · Cited by 124 · see citing works
Leo, D. G., Buckley, B. J. R., Chowdhury, M., Harrison, S. L., Isanejad, M., Lip, G. Y. H., Wright, D. J., Lane, D. A., & the TAILOR investigators (2022) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/35508 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
Sim, R., & Lee, S. W. H. (2021) · Patient Preference and Adherence · doi:10.2147/ppa.s271449 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Changing attitudes towards teletherapy in Austrian therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic
Rettinger, L., Klupper, C., Werner, F., & Pütz, P. (2021) · Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare · doi:10.1177/1357633x20986038 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Use of telemonitoring in patient self-management of chronic disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis
Creber, A., Leo, D. G., Buckley, B. J. R., Chowdhury, M., Harrison, S. L., Isanejad, M., Lane, D. A., & on behalf of the TAILOR investigators (2023) · BMC Cardiovascular Disorders · doi:10.1186/s12872-023-03486-3 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Jensen, C. M., Overgaard, S., Wiil, U. K., & Clemensen, J. (2019) · SAGE Open Nursing · doi:10.1177/2377960819825752 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Lang, C., Voigt, K., Neumann, R., Bergmann, A., & Holthoff‐Detto, V. (2020) · Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare · doi:10.1177/1357633x20901400 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Filho, B. F. D. L., Bessa, N. P. O. S., Fernandes, A. C. T., Patrício, Í. F. D. S., Alves, N. D. O., & Cavalcanti, F. A. D. C. (2020) · Acta Diabetologica · doi:10.1007/s00592-020-01580-y · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Schimmer, R., Orre, C. J., Öberg, U., Danielsson, K., & Hörnsten, Å. (2019) · JMIR Diabetes · doi:10.2196/10702 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Delineating and clarifying the concept of self-care monitoring: a concept analysis
Johnsson, N., Strandberg, S., Tuvesson, H., Fagerström, C., Ekstedt, M., & Lindberg, C. (2023) · International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being · doi:10.1080/17482631.2023.2241231 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Khayyat, S. M., Walters, P., Whittlesea, C., & Nazar, H. (2021) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043344 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
How use of continuous glucose monitoring can address therapeutic inertia in primary care
Martens, T. W., & Parkin, C. G. (2022) · Postgraduate Medicine · doi:10.1080/00325481.2022.2080419 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Zhang, M., Zhang, H., Zhu, R., Yang, H., Chen, M., Wang, X., Li, Z., & Xiong, Z.-Z. (2023) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1259158 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Lang, C., Roessler, M., Schmitt, J. M., Bergmann, A., & Holthoff‐Detto, V. (2021) · Quality of Life Research · doi:10.1007/s11136-021-02848-8 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Nadeem, S., Siddiqi, U., Martins, R. S., & Badini, K. (2021) · Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology · doi:10.1177/19322968211011199 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Tyagi, S., Koh, G. C., Lee, E. S., Ong, K. P., Heng, R., Er, L. H., Oh, E., Teo, V. H. Y., & Ng, D. W. L. (2024) · BMC Family Practice · doi:10.1186/s12875-024-02373-w · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Backman, C., Papp, S., Harley, A., Houle, S., Mamo, Y., Poitras, S., Shah, S., Berdusco, R., Beaulé, P. E., & French-Merkley, V. (2022) · Clinical Interventions in Aging · doi:10.2147/cia.s384822 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Tan, N. C., Gong, P. P., Lee, C. S., Goh, K. L. S., Ang, S. B., & Koh, G. C. (2024) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080830 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Decision Aid on Orthopedic Virtual Care: Patient Preferences in Orthopedic Hand Clinic
Yedulla, N. R., Faraj, M. T., Hazime, A. A., Gong, J. H., Tang, A., & Day, C. S. (2023) · Telemedicine Journal and e-Health · doi:10.1089/tmj.2022.0214 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Wong, A. K. C., Liu, L. Z., Wong, F. K. Y., Liang, J., Tong, D. W. K., Chan, M. L., Wong, M. K., Wong, B. C., Tang, C. Y. S., Ho, W. H., et al. (2025) · Frontiers in Digital Health · doi:10.3389/fdgth.2025.1665424 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Telehealth and Children with Medical Complexity
Kaushik, R. (2024) · Pediatric Annals · doi:10.3928/19382359-20240109-01 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Rarani, M. A., Karimi, S., & Gharacheh, L. (2022) · BMC Health Services Research · doi:10.1186/s12913-022-08953-9 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Indarwati, R., Rachmawati, P. D., & Sidhu, Y. V. (2020) · Critical Medical and Surgical Nursing Journal · doi:10.20473/cmsnj.v8i2.17782 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Greffin, K., Schmidt, S., van den Berg, N., Hoffmann, W. U., Ritter, O., Oeff, M., Schomerus, G., & Muehlan, H. (2021) · Health and Quality of Life Outcomes · doi:10.1186/s12955-021-01807-8 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Ogrin, R., Aylen, T., Thurgood, L., Neoh, S. L., Audehm, R. G., Steel, P., Churilov, L. P., Zajac, J. D., & Ekinci, E. I. (2021) · Clinical Diabetes · doi:10.2337/cd20-0129 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Physician perceptions of stress and telemedicine
Guma, J., Klimowich, K., Pan, J., Collins, P. B., & Cooley, D. (2021) · Osteopathic Family Physician · doi:10.33181/13053 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Lew, E., Tan, S. F. J., Teo, A., Sng, B. L., & Lum, E. (2023) · Telemedicine Reports · doi:10.1089/tmr.2023.0023 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Cunningham‐Erves, J., Smalls, M., Stewart, E. C., Edwards, K. M., Hull, P. C., Dempsey, A. F., & Wilkins, C. H. (2023) · Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities · doi:10.1007/s40615-023-01754-8 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Pereira, F. V. P., Silva, G. T. D., & Schuch, I. (2023) · DEMETRA Alimentação Nutrição & Saúde · doi:10.12957/demetra.2023.67192 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
García-Viola, A. (2019) · REVISTA ESPAÑOLA DE COMUNICACIÓN EN SALUD · doi:10.20318/recs.2019.4804 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Shimeles, L., Asrat, Y., Tarekegn, G., Yesuf, S. A., Kebede, M. A., & Aklilu, T. (2023) · Research Square · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-3225793/v1 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Perception of face-to-face and remote nutritional care consultation in Pronutri
Ramos-Ibáñez, N., Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, U. X., Herrera, M. E. V., & Jesús, M. M. S. (2021) · Argumentos. Estudios críticos de la sociedad · doi:10.24275/uamxoc-dcsh/argumentos/2021962-06
German, J., Eldridge, M. R., Esteve, L., Alexopoulos, A., Drake, C., Lewinski, A. A., Bosworth, H. B., Edelman, D. E., Steinhauser, K. E., & Crowley, M. J. (2025) · Journal of Clinical and Translational Science · doi:10.1017/cts.2025.10082
Ong, K. P., Chen, E., Oh, E., Lee, E. S., Tang, W. E., Ng, D. W. L., & Teo, V. H. Y. (2025) · BMC Family Practice · doi:10.1186/s12875-025-03034-2
Tyagi, S., Koh, G. C.-H., Lee, E. S., Ong, K. P., Heng, R., Er, L. H., Oh, E., Teo, V. H. Y., & Ng, D. W. L. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.25678477
Tyagi, S., Koh, G. C., Lee, E. S., Ong, K. P., Heng, R., Er, L. H., Oh, E., Teo, V., & Ng, D. W. L. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.25678734
Creber, A., Leo, D. G., Buckley, B. J. R., Chowdhury, M., Harrison, S. L., Isanejad, M., & Lane, D. A. (2023) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.24165112
Gerrie, A., Bellman, S. M., & Pollock, D. (2026) · JBI Evidence Synthesis · doi:10.11124/jbies-25-00355
- Authors
- Lee, P. A., Greenfield, G., & Pappas, Y.
- Affiliations
- Imperial College London (GB)
- University of Bedfordshire (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Lee, Puikwan A.
- Venue
- BMC Health Services Research
- Published
- 2018-07-13
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 549-549
- ISSN
- 1472-6963 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC6045870
- OpenAlex
- W2883760026
- Cited by
- 39
- References
- 24
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 4
- FWCI
- 3.81
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- BMC Health Services Research (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Spiral (Imperial College London) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- University of Bedfordshire Repository (University of Bedfordshire) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- Funders
- National Institute for Health and Care Research
- Department of Health and Social Care
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes Management and Education
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
- Keywords
- telemedicine, type 2 diabetes, diabetes self-management, patient perspectives, patient experience, technology acceptance, empowerment, remote monitoring, quality of life
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Attitude to Computers, Attitude to Health, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Female, Humans, Interviews as Topic, London, Male, Middle Aged, Quality of Life, Telemedicine, Qualitative Research
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
