The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of telepsychology support for patients with severe cardiorespiratory disease and their caregivers. A secondary objective was to explore pre-post relationships between patients' and caregivers' clinical measures.
A telehealth program incorporating telepsychology support, i.e., an “on-demand” phone service with a psychologist, was provided to consecutive cardiorespiratory patients at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and to their caregivers. At the start and end of the 1-year program, participants were interviewed “face-to-face,” and their anxiety/depression level, patients' quality of life (MRF-28, SF-36, and MQOL), and caregivers' (
Of 80 eligible individuals, 40 took part in this study: 22 patients (FVC = 39 ± 14%; EF = 39 ± 13%) and 18 caregivers. Eleven (28%, 6 patients and 5 caregivers) requested tele-psychological support, resulting in 51 consultations focused on anxiety, difficulty in patient management, worry about the patient's emotional state, and need for emotional support; 3 participants underwent a tailored psychotherapy program. All participants expressed high satisfaction with the service. At enrolment, anxiety was less evident in patients (73% men) than in caregivers, while depressive symptoms were more evident (6.5 ± 3.1), and correlated with MRF-28 and MQOL. Caregivers' (94% women) FSQ showed a “strongly recommended” need for support; at enrolment, high levels of anxiety/depression were correlated with high FSQ (for both,
Telepsychology support associated with a telehealth service is feasible and satisfying for both participants and psychological management. A suitable support program can benefit both patients and caregivers, particularly those at higher risk of depressive symptoms (younger caregivers) and anxiety (all caregivers).