Acceptance of Pulmonary Telerehabilitation Among Healthcare Practitioners

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary rehabilitation is a clinical approach designed to support individuals with chronic respiratory diseases through structured exercise and educational strategies. Pulmonary telerehabilitation (PTR) represents a remote adaptation of this approach, offering services through virtual platforms. This model may enhance patient engagement and adherence due to its convenience and accessibility. However, its implementation remains inconsistent across healthcare institutions, potentially limiting its benefits for both healthcare providers and patients. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of acceptance and identify the factors and barriers influencing the intention of healthcare practitioners (HCPs) to use PTR in Saudi Arabia.

METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCPs involved in pulmonary rehabilitation across Saudi Arabia between August 2024 and May 2025. Participants completed an online questionnaire using the pre-validated Tele Pulmonary Rehabilitation Acceptance Scale (TPRAS), which measures behavioral intention (BI) as the dependent variable, and perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) as independent variables. Linear regression analysis was applied to examine the impact of PU and PEOU on BI.

RESULTS: A total of 59 practitioners participated in the study. Among them, 82.77% demonstrated a strong willingness to engage with PTR. PU was identified as the most influential factor shaping behavioral intention. Of the HCPs, 76.27% accepted the PEOU of PTR equipment, while 81.35% of HCPs had positive BI to use PTR. Commonly cited challenges included unstable internet connectivity and limited patient engagement.

CONCLUSION: The intention among HCPs to implement PTR appears to be strongly associated with their perceptions of its usefulness and ease of application. Addressing identified barriers could further support the adoption of this technology in clinical practice.