Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic, progressive respiratory condition. It results in increasingly debilitating shortness of breath,which impacts greatly on the daily lives of patients in the advanced stages of this life-limiting illness. Telemedicine (TM) is increasingly deployed to address significant challenges, including practicalities of attending face-to-face consultations, disease progression and functional decline.

There is limited published research to date exploring COPD patients? perspective of TM as a therapeutic intervention.

This qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) explored experiences and perceptions of TM for patients living with advanced COPD.

A systematic literature search of twelve electronic databases was undertaken.

Independent screening was undertaken by two authors. Quality appraisal was conducted using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Framework synthesis was applied using the COM B model. Thomas and Harden?s thematic synthesis approach guided the analysis of included studies.

GRADE-CERQual assessed confidence in review findings.

Eight studies were selected for synthesis. Four analytical themes were generated

(1) Ownership and Control (2) Virtual Relationships/Being Heard (3) Telemedicine: Benefit versus Burden (4) Trust in Virtual Health Services.

The lived experience of COPD patients and their engagement with TM may serve to inform policymakers to progress TM in practice. Further research on patient and healthcare professionals? views on using TM in the palliative stage of COPD may be valuable.