Telehealth as ‘peace of mind’: embodiment, emotions and the home as the primary health space for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder

A theoretical understanding of why some people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) experienced ‘peace of mind’ when a new telehealth service was introduced into a community respiratory service (CRS) is presented in this article. This is based on analysis of in-depth, qualitative, situated interviews with COPD patients who were receiving the service. Telehealth brought peace of mind through two mechanisms: legitimising contact with health professionals and increased patient confidence in the management of their condition. When the home is the primary health space, the introduction of telehealth can modify emotional and bodily experiences to an extent that is significant for people with COPD. The process by which technology can provide ‘peace of mind’ to people with long term conditions should be taken into account when designing or commissioning a service.

► Situated interviews enable researchers to ask people to show and tell us their (health) spaces.
► For people with COPD, their homes become the primary health space as opposed to the clinic.
► They become physically and emotionally dependent on others and on medical technologies.
► In this context, telehealth does not cause extra disruption in the home and brings ‘peace of mind’.
► Telehealth legitimises contact with health professionals and increases self-confidence.