Introduction: An increasing number of patients with rare lung diseases, including but not limited to IPF and sarcoidosis, are being referred for diagnostic work-up and treatment, resulting in increased delay for patients and stressful working environments for health care professionals (HCP). New telemedicine tools may, as an alternative to standard care, reduce delay and work load. 

Aim: To evaluate the patient perspective of a newly developed App, Emento Digital Care Guide (DCG). A personalized, self-guided, app-based intervention for newly referred patients who are being referred for evaluation at the Center for Rare Lung Diseases at Aarhus University Hospital. 

Methods: A usability test inspired by Think-aloud testing combined with semi-structured qualitative interviews was conducted on 10 participants. In practice the participants used the app while continuously thinking out loud, verbalizing their thoughts as they moved through the user interface of the app. 

Results: In total, nine out of ten participants, mean age 53,5 years, male/female 5/5, liked and recommended to use the app. The participants highlighted elements such as "what can I expect from the first visit?" and "practical information" (e.g., parking conditions, reminders of blood sampling) as being of great importance. Furthermore, the participants indicated that the chat function was very important, as they preferred to chat with a nurse rather than by telephone, thus avoiding a telephone que. 

Conclusion: DCG was perceived as valuable and positive by patients. Further evaluation is necessary to determine the impact of the app on the number of telephone inquiries and HCP experiences.