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Workforce Perceptions of a Conceptual Hospital-at-Home Digital Twin: Qualitative Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Hospital-at-home (HaH) services are transformative for delivering acute care in a patient's home, with support from a multidisciplinary team and remote monitoring technologies, and there is a growing demand for innovation and digital solutions. Digital twin (DT) technology offers the possibility of leveraging real-time data to personalize care, predict risk, and improve patient management. However, perceptions of the workforce regarding the application of HaH DTs remain underexplored, and addressing this is crucial for successful adoption and sustainability. Objective: This qualitative study aimed to explore health and care professionals' perceptions of the concept of a HaH DT model of care and its perceived impact. Methods: A total of 26 semistructured interviews were conducted between June and December 2025. Participants were based in the United Kingdom and were recruited through purposive sampling via known contacts, professional networking, and social media. A short vignette on DTs was presented to participants at the start of the interview. An interview topic guide centered around acceptability and the domains of the Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework was used to explore complexity in implementation and potential management. Data analysis involved a hybrid approach drawing on reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Seven overarching themes were identified, highlighting a mixture of perceived benefits, concerns, and recommendations. Participants noted value in personalized, holistic care enabled by real-time data-driven interventions and appropriate patient-clinician contact. However, concerns included trust in DTs, with participants highlighting that implementation requires adapting workforce roles, strong education and training, system-level infrastructure, and a supporting evidence base. Conclusions: This work provides the foundations for stakeholders and developers to better understand the likely adoption of a HaH DT and the likely impact on individuals, organizations, and systems. Findings from this study highlight key recommendations, and further research and implementation efforts should prioritize stakeholder involvement to develop clear actionable plans.

Source: JMIR Human Factors

DOI: 10.2196/96645

Authors: Faiza Yahya, Matthew Cooper, Lauren Lawson, Hamde Nazar

Institutions: National Institute for Health and Care Research, Newcastle University, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Language: English

Topic: Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,873