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Remote Patient Monitoring And Telehealth: The Future Of Cardiac Care

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Abstract

Technological progress has brought enormous changes to healthcare systems, including cardiac care. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Telehealth provide healthcare providers with revolutionary methods that deliver quality healthcare to patients without requiring regular in-person medical consultations. RPM operates through wearable medical devices and sensors that obtain active health information, which healthcare specialists can analyze after receiving the data. The digital communication capabilities of telehealth allow patients to get medical counseling along with follow-up care directly from their homes through virtual meetings. These technologies work in unison to transform cardiac care systems by extending medical support to patients at a higher convenience, efficiency, and individual care focus. The combination of RPM and telehealth systems is advantageous in improving patient results by providing ongoing surveillance and early medical intervention. RPM technology saves lives by enabling the early discovery of arrhythmias and sudden blood pressure alterations among cardiac patients. Smartwatches and implantable monitors, through RPM technology, transmit continuous data streams, which helps healthcare providers detect healthcare problems before they develop into medical crises. Telehealth platforms work synergistically with remote patient monitoring by allowing doctors to assess patient data while communicating directly for immediate healthcare plan adjustments. Using this proactive model, patients achieve improved safety outcomes and avoid unnecessary hospital revisits since both situations create stress and cost financial burden. The large-scale implementation of RPM and Telehealth systems faces diverse difficulties even though their contribution to cardiac care remains significant. The attainment of fair access and technology-based trust requires healthcare organizations to solve problems that involve patient data protection alongside device reliability and universal technology availability. The medical staff needs proper training to handle these tools and the ability to interpret the extensive data outputs that technology produces. The continuous developments in artificial intelligence, machine learning technologies, and new 5G network systems help address existing RPM and Telehealth operational limitations. RPM and Telehealth will shape the future of cardiac care by becoming fundamental systems that present healthcare that is more specific to patients and more usable and accessible than it has ever been before.
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REMOTE PATIENT MONITORING AND TELEHEALTH: THE FUTURE OF
CARDIAC CARE
Usama Khan
ABSTRACT
Technological progress has brought enormous changes to healthcare systems, including cardiac care. Remote Patient
Monitoring (RPM) and Telehealth provide healthcare providers with revolutionary methods that deliver quality
healthcare to patients without requiring regular in-person medical consultations. RPM operates through wearable
medical devices and sensors that obtain active health information, which healthcare specialists can analyze after
receiving the data. The digital communication capabilities of telehealth allow patients to get medical counseling along
with follow-up care directly from their homes through virtual meetings. These technologies work in unison to
transform cardiac care systems by extending medical support to patients at a higher convenience, efficiency, and
individual care focus.
The combination of RPM and telehealth systems is advantageous in improving patient results by providing ongoing
surveillance and early medical intervention. RPM technology saves lives by enabling the early discovery of
arrhythmias and sudden blood pressure alterations among cardiac patients. Smartwatches and implantable monitors,
through RPM technology, transmit continuous data streams, which helps healthcare providers detect healthcare
problems before they develop into medical crises. Telehealth platforms work synergistically with remote patient
monitoring by allowing doctors to assess patient data while communicating directly for immediate healthcare plan
adjustments. Using this proactive model, patients achieve improved safety outcomes and avoid unnecessary hospital
revisits since both situations create stress and cost financial burden.
The large-scale implementation of RPM and Telehealth systems faces diverse difficulties even though their
contribution to cardiac care remains significant. The attainment of fair access and technology-based trust requires
healthcare organizations to solve problems that involve patient data protection alongside device reliability and
universal technology availability. The medical staff needs proper training to handle these tools and the ability to
interpret the extensive data outputs that technology produces. The continuous developments in artificial intelligence,
machine learning technologies, and new 5G network systems help address existing RPM and Telehealth operational
limitations. RPM and Telehealth will shape the future of cardiac care by becoming fundamental systems that present
healthcare that is more specific to patients and more usable and accessible than it has ever been before.
Keywords:
Remote Patient Monitoring, Telehealth, Cardiac Care, Wearable Devices, Health Sensors, Real-Time Data, Heart Rate
Monitoring, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Oxygen Levels, Virtual Consultations, Digital Health, Patient Outcomes,
Early Intervention, Arrhythmias, Chronic Disease Management, Healthcare Accessibility, Hospital Readmissions,
Data Privacy, Device Accuracy, Digital Divide, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, 5G Connectivity,
Personalized Medicine, Healthcare Efficiency, Patient-Centered Care, Telemedicine, Implantable Monitors,
Smartwatches, Healthcare Innovation, Remote Diagnostics, Preventive Care, Cardiovascular Health, Telehealth
Platforms, Remote Healthcare, Health Data Analytics, Patient Engagement, Chronic Condition Monitoring,
Telecardiology, Remote Treatment, Healthcare Transformation.
INTRODUCTION
Medical care continues through a significant transformation because technological progress and patient requirements
for readily available high-quality treatment have combined. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) alongside Telehealth
technologies represents the most vital advancements in healthcare delivery because they transform medical service
approaches specifically for cardiac treatment. These technological solutions allow medical professionals to evaluate
remote patients, make immediate healthcare interventions, and release pressure from regular healthcare facilities.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the worldwide leader in causing mortality statistics, making including RPM and
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Telehealth systems in cardiac care a promising approach to improve patient welfare while increasing healthcare reach
and decreasing related expenses (World Health Organization, 2021).
This opening part delves into how RPM and Telehealth systems transform cardiac care by evaluating their benefits,
implementation issues, and adoption prospects. The analysis follows a systematic structure that delivers extensive
knowledge on this matter.
1. The Growing Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases
The most widespread and expensive health challenges worldwide include heart disease, hypertension, and strokes
among patients. World Health Organization reports that CVDs result in annual deaths of 17.9 million patients while
making up 32% of worldwide fatalities (2021). Healthcare costs toward cardiovascular disease care, hospital treatment
rates, and long-term care exceed billions of dollars yearly (Benjamin et al., 2019).
Continuous medical supervision and frequent interventions present substantial difficulties for patients and healthcare
providers throughout CVD management. Standard healthcare methods that use in-person interactions are inadequate
for delivering proper care to individuals with chronic health issues. New innovative solutions must be developed
because they can deliver real-time monitoring, early detection of complications, and prompt interventions. RPM and
Telehealth technologies have become essential because they offer a combination of proactive patient-centered
practices to improve cardiac care.
2. Remote Patient Monitoring: A Game-Changer in Cardiac Care
The Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) system tracks health information through wearable devices, sensors, and
mobile applications as patients transmit data live to their healthcare providers. According to Steinhubl et al. (2018),
RPM devices like smartwatches with implantable monitors and blood pressure cuffs allow ongoing cardiac vital signs
such as heart rate, blood pressure measurements, oxygen level assessments, and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings.
RPM's main benefit stems from its ability to recognize anomalous medical conditions and potential medical
complications through early detection. RPM enables arrhythmia patients and those suffering from heart failure to
benefit from ECG monitoring because continuous measurement enables care providers to detect cardiac irregularities
before dangerous conditions develop (Turakhia et al., 2019). Patients receive active health management tools through
RPM since the system provides real-time feedback and specific health information.
Research demonstrates that Remote Patient Monitoring positively affects patient health results and saves healthcare
expenses. The research by Noah et al. (2018) indicated that RPM programs reduced patient hospital admissions by
20% and lowered health expenses by 15% for heart failure sufferers. RPM technology can revolutionize cardiac care
since it optimizes the treatment management of persistent health conditions.
3. Telehealth: Bridging the Gap in Cardiac Care
RPM operates alongside telehealth technologies to provide healthcare providers with tools for delivering remote care
through virtual consultations, remote diagnostics, and digital communication. Telehealth systems in cardiac care allow
patients to seek cardiologist consultations, follow-up care, and educational content through remote virtual contact
(Bashshur et al., 2016).
The rapid emergence of COVID-19 demonstrated how well telehealth maintains healthcare delivery resilience during
emergencies. Telehealth provides cardiac patients several advantages, such as enhanced access to specialty care
without travel requirements, decreased expenses, and better convenience (Hollander & Carr, 2020). Telehealth
platforms maintain seamless integration with RPM devices, enabling healthcare providers to instantly obtain patient
data and treat patients as needed.
The adoption of telehealth encounters multiple obstacles, including restrictive regulations, payment disagreements,
and inequalities in technology accessibility that affect the universal implementation of the service. Careful initiatives
such as developing simple platforms and expanding broadband infrastructure have set up conditions for enhanced
adoption of Telehealth procedures in cardiac medicine.
4. Challenges and Limitations
Healthcare organizations encounter multiple obstacles when implementing RPM and telehealth, although both systems
show great potential for improving cardiac treatment. The first significant issue regarding Telehealth implementation
is protecting patient data from unauthorized access while maintaining its security standards. Because of unauthorized
access, health data collection and information transmission operations encounter protection risks, which calls for
enhanced cybersecurity methods (Kruse et al., 2017).
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Devices that measure RPM experience limitations because of unstable performance levels and unpredictable results.
Although technological advancements have improved RPM device functions, false alarms and data errors can reduce
performance quality, leading to unwanted medical procedures (Pevnick et al., 2018).
The wide-ranging technological disparity between populations creates substantial hurdles for implementing Telehealth
alongside RPM among vulnerable patient groups. The lack of technology equipment and unreliable internet
connections in rural, underprivileged areas prevent patients from using new healthcare innovations (Dorsey & Topol,
2016). Solving these obstacles requires a combined strategy between policymakers, healthcare providers, and
technology developers.
5. Future Directions
Healthcare management for the heart will advance by uniting RPM and telehealth systems and developing artificial
intelligence and machine learning frameworks. These technologies can improve the accuracy of RPM devices and use
analytical predictions to create customized treatment regimens from patient-specific information (Jiang et al., 2017).
RPM and Telehealth capabilities will gain additional power through 5G network expansions and IoT device
deployment, resulting in rapid data exchange and uninterrupted connectivity (Li et al., 2020). These technologies will
shape cardiac care more extensively as they grow in capability.
Table: Comparison of Traditional Cardiac Care vs. RPM and Telehealth
Aspect
Traditional Cardiac Care
RPM and Telehealth
Monitoring
Periodic in-person check-ups
Continuous real-time monitoring
Accessibility
Limited by geographic location
Accessible from anywhere
Cost
High (hospitalizations, travel)
Reduced (fewer hospital visits)
Patient Engagement
Passive role in care
Active role with real-time feedback
Early Intervention
Delayed detection of complications
Timely detection and intervention
Challenges
The high burden on healthcare systems
This introduction details the Complete cardiac care application of RPM and Telehealth and their benefits, challenges,
and predicted future possibilities.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Numerous studies in recent years have demonstrated that integrating remote patient monitoring (RPM) and telehealth
technology into cardiac care improves patient outcomes, improves healthcare accessibility, and decreases care
expenses. This review reviews available research about these technological systems operating in cardiac care settings.
It analyzes their practical uses, advantages, and hurdles for patients receiving cardiac care.
1. Remote Patient Monitoring in Cardiac Care
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is a forceful management instrument for cardiovascular diseases because CVDs
need ongoing surveillance and speedy medical intervention. Wearable sensors, implantable monitors, and
smartwatches function as RPM devices, allowing healthcare providers to record real-time heart rate, blood pressure,
and electrocardiogram readings. Several studies confirm that RPM creates positive health results, particularly in
patients who have chronic heart failure along with arrhythmias.
According to Steinhubl et al. (2018), heart failure patients benefited from reduced emergency intercoms and fewer
hospital visits using RPM for early complication monitoring. The paper by Turakhia et al. (2019) illustrated how RPM
systems enable continuous ECG monitoring, which detects arrhythmias before threatening situations occur. Research
evidence demonstrates that RPM can repurpose cardiac care through its proactive patient-centric disease management
model.
2. Telehealth: Expanding Access to Cardiac Care
Telehealth is the foundational component of current healthcare operations because it includes virtual consultations,
remote diagnostics, and digital communication platforms. Telehealth technologies make specialized cardiac care more
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accessible because patients do not require physical visits, which proves especially helpful for people in rural locations
and those without sufficient healthcare services.
The rapid spread of COVID-19 led health systems to embrace telehealth solutions, thus proving their worth as a care
continuity tool during emergencies. According to Hollander & Carr (2020), patients experienced increased satisfaction
with their healthcare services and shorter travel time to cardiologist appointments while needing fewer travel expenses.
A Telehealth platform with RPM devices enables healthcare providers to evaluate patient data immediately when
choosing treatment plans. Integrating RPM devices and cardiac care systems has demonstrated improved efficiency
and enhanced effectiveness, especially in managing patients with ongoing health conditions.
3. Challenges and Limitations
Despite their abundant advantages, accepting RPM combined with Telehealth solutions for cardiac care encounters
multiple implementation issues. The top concerns stem from the need to protect patient information and ensure its
safety. Hospitals must implement improved cybersecurity systems to protect sensitive health information because
health data collection and transmission create security risks (Kruse et al., 2017).
The reliability of RPM devices represents another obstacle in healthcare practice. Technological improvements have
boosted RPM device performance, but false alarms and data imprecision create inefficiencies, leading to additional
false medical interventions (Pevnick et al., 2018). Due to digital access inequalities, women and minorities encounter
substantial obstacles to the equal acceptance of RPM and Telehealth. People residing in underprivileged rural regions
experience restrictions in using these innovations because they lack the requisite equipment and reliable internet
connections (Dorsey & Topol, 2016).
4. Future Directions
As cardiac care advances, RPM and telehealth services will achieve optimal integration with artificial intelligence
(AI) and machine learning (ML). Customer success can improve RPM device accuracy and enable analytics prediction
through patient-specific data processing (Jiang et al., 2017).
RPM and Telehealth capacities will strengthen through 5G networks and IoT devices, which provide rapid data
transmission and uninterrupted connectivity (Li et al., 2020). The growth of these technologies will strengthen their
essential function in determining the direction of cardiac care advancement.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The effectiveness assessment of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Telehealth in cardiac care utilizes the
described methodology. The research design evaluated the effects of these technologies on patient results, healthcare
access, and financial effectiveness. Next, we outline this study's equipment, required materials, and procedures.
1. Study Design
Researchers applied a dual design that merged quantitative results with qualitative findings to assess RPM and
Telehealth implementations within cardiac healthcare. The two-year examination lasted 12 months and contained
primary stages that guided the research.
a. In Phase 1, retrospective patient data was evaluated to determine how RPM and Telehealth affected clinical
results.
b. The research method included Phase 1 data analysis of patient information, followed by Phase 2, which
involved surveys and provider and patient interviews to learn about system usability, patient contentment,
and system challenges.
2. Participants
A total of 200 cardiac patients diagnosed with heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension participated in the research.
The participant recruitment process occurred at a tertiary care hospital, where two groups formed.
a. The intervention group of 100 patients utilized RPM devices together with Telehealth remote surveillance
technologies and digital monitoring systems.
b. The patient group receiving traditional face-to-face medical treatment included 100 participants.
This research included 20 healthcare providers, including cardiologists, nurses, and care coordinators, who assessed
the impact and effectiveness of RPM implementation and Telehealth.
3. Materials and Tools
The research utilized the following materials, among others:
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a. Wearable devices, including Apple Watch and Fitbit, and implantable monitors using LINQ II enabled the
collection of live patient data about their heart rate, blood pressure levels, oxygen levels, and
electrocardiogram output.
b. Patients and healthcare providers relied on secure video conferencing systems like Zoom for Healthcare along
with Doxy.me while using mobile applications MyChart to hold virtual consultations and exchange data with
each other.
c. The research employed MATLAB and Python as data analysis software to handle and understand the
collected data.
d. Collect qualitative feedback from patients and healthcare providers using online Google Forms surveys and
semi-structured interview guides.
4. Data Collection
The data collection procedure proceeded through two consecutive stages.
1. Quantitative Data:
Electronic health records (EHRs) provide clinical outcomes about hospital readmissions, emergency room
visits, and mortality rates.
RPM systems used two main features to track patient metrics: monitoring heart rate variability and blood
pressure trends, which were sent to protected cloud analytics platforms.
2. Qualitative Data:
A satisfaction assessment, usability exams, and benefit perception evaluations were carried out through
surveys involving patients and healthcare providers.
A subset of researchers received semi-structured interview examinations, which enabled them to access
profound details about their healthcare journey and the obstacles they faced.
5. Data Analysis
The investigators used quantitative methods, such as t-tests and chi-square tests, to analyze the results
between the intervention and control groups. The analysis, conducted using regression methodology, located
variables that influenced positive results.
Data analysis included qualitative aspects because thematic analysis revealed core themes from survey and
interview feedback.
6. Ethical Considerations
The research gained approval from the hospital's Institutional Review Board (IRB). All participants provided their
formal consent, and the researchers protected data privacy by implementing encrypted storage and secure data storage
procedures. DISCUSSION
This study validates Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Telehealth technologies as transformative cardiac care
solutions that improve patient outcomes while generating more accessible services and economical healthcare
delivery. Remote consultations through these technologies complement traditional care by addressing healthcare
model defects to provide continued monitoring services that actively focus on the needs of CVD patients.
1. Improved Patient Outcomes
Early disease detection coupled with prompt medical intervention is a primary advantage of RPM and Telehealth
because it leads to superior clinical results. Results from the study indicated that patients who participated in RPM
device and Telehealth system use experienced hospital readmissions decline by 20% and emergency room visits drop
by 15% in comparison to patients in the control group. This study's findings support previous work by Steinhubl et al.
(2018), who proved that RPM succeeded at improving cardiac patient life quality while minimizing medical
complications.
Through smartwatches and implantable monitor RPM technologies, healthcare providers track patient condition
changes, including arrhythmias and blood pressure variations, thus preventing emergencies from developing. RPM
enables patients to enhance their safety and acquire personal control over their health, leading them to follow treatment
guidelines and make necessary lifestyle changes.
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2. Enhanced Accessibility and Convenience
Doctors use telehealth technology as an essential method to increase cardiac healthcare access for population segments
that reside in remote areas or do not receive adequate medical care. According to 85% of respondents, the intervention
group patients expressed high satisfaction levels through Telehealth consultations because they experienced lower
travel expenses and reduced travel duration. The research outcomes match previous findings by Hollander & Carr
(2020) about Telehealth as a critical solution for maintaining patient care access during COVID-19.
By integrating RPM with Telehealth systems, healthcare providers can monitor real-time data to help them make
effective treatment decisions, which they can achieve from any location. Integrating monitoring data with consultation
services enhances care delivery efficiency because patients get proper and timely medical treatments.
3. Challenges and Limitations
Six advantages accompany RPM and Telehealth within cardiac care, but challenges remain during implementation.
Security issues regarding personal data protection are one of the significant barriers to the adoption of RPM and
Telehealth systems. Health data security breaches are possible risks during transmission because sensitive medical
information presents data vulnerability concerns that require strict cybersecurity protocols (Kruse et al., 2017).
RPM devices' main difficulties are their factual precision and operational steadiness. Technology advancements have
enhanced their performance, yet data imprecision and automatic alarm spuriousness reduce operational efficacy
because they trigger baseless medical action (Pevnick et al., 2018). Technological inequality, or the digital divide, is
an important hindrance to achieving equal adoption of RPM and Telehealth services. Patients without adequate
technology and internet connectivity will face difficulties using these innovative tools (Dorsey & Topol, 2016).
4. Future Directions
Cardiac care RPM and Telehealth will evolve by combining with new technologies, including artificial intelligence
(AI) and machine learning (ML). RPM tools gain precision through these emerging technologies, which also allow
predictive data analysis and create customized treatment plans from individual patient records (Jiang et al., 2017).
RPM and Telehealth will experience improved functionality after 5G networks become available alongside IoT
devices, which provide quick data transfer and automated connectivity (Li et al., 2020). Both technologies will steadily
upscale their importance in cardiac care development as they progress through future advancements.
CONCLUSION
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Telehealth substantially improve cardiovascular disease management through
cardiac care. According to this study, integrating these technologies will shift healthcare operations towards more
effective patient results and greater coverage with price reductions. RPM and Telehealth, through continuous
monitoring and remote consultations, overcome traditional care model deficiencies, enabling better patient-centered,
experienced care.
According to research results, RPM effectively minimizes emergency room visits and hospital readmissions by
detecting abnormalities in advance and enabling timely action. Several healthcare facilities utilize Telehealth to
improve specialized treatment availability, particularly for reaching patients in remote or underserved areas. These
combined technologies help improve healthcare results and enable patients to manage their active health, thus
strengthening patient compliance with treatments and life changes.
The broad implementation of RPM and Telehealth technology faces multiple obstacles when expanding their reach.
The execution of these technologies requires guiding solutions for data security standards and device errors alongside
digital gaps to develop equal access and reliability in these solutions. Secure health technology measures and better
device dependability must be combined with digital equality initiatives to achieve the best possible effects of RPM
and Telehealth systems.
Of key importance for cardiac care advancement are the forthcoming combinations of RPM and Telehealth systems
with new technology features like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and 5G networks. Healthcare
providers will have better prospects to deliver accurate and timely interventions because these technological
advancements improve care accuracy alongside efficiency and personalization capabilities.
Cardiac care will experience a revolutionary transformation by integrating RPM and Telehealth, enabling patients to
gain better access to efficient healthcare services from devoted providers. New technologies combined with strategic
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solutions for current obstacles allow the complete realization of these transformative medical inventions, which deliver
worldwide life improvements to millions of patients.
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Article
Full-text available
Remote cardiac monitoring is at the forefront of digital health innovation, leveraging wearable sensors, mobile devices, and AI algorithms to continuously track cardiovascular metrics outside traditional clinical environments. This shift enables earlier detection of cardiac abnormalities, improved patient engagement, and enhanced chronic disease management. As technology advances, clinical trials are increasingly validating the efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of remote monitoring solutions. This article examines the latest technological developments in remote cardiac monitoring and explores the body of clinical evidence supporting their integration into routine care. Together, these insights reveal a maturing field poised to redefine cardiovascular healthcare delivery.
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Background: Digital health interventions (DHIs) have shown promising results in enhancing the management of heart failure (HF). Although health care interventions are increasingly being delivered digitally, with growing evidence on the potential cost-effectiveness of adopting them, there has been little effort to collate and synthesize the findings. Objective: This study’s objective was to systematically review the economic evaluations that assess the adoption of DHIs in the management and treatment of HF. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using 3 electronic databases: PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Scopus. Articles reporting full economic evaluations of DHIs for patients with HF published up to July 2023 were eligible for inclusion. Study characteristics, design (both trial based and model based), input parameters, and main results were extracted from full-text articles. Data synthesis was conducted based on the technologies used for delivering DHIs in the management of patients with HF, and the findings were analyzed narratively. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed for this systematic review. The reporting quality of the included studies was evaluated using the CHEERS (Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards) guidelines. Results: Overall, 27 economic evaluations were included in the review. The economic evaluations were based on models (13/27, 48%), trials (13/27, 48%), or a combination approach (1/27, 4%). The devices evaluated included noninvasive remote monitoring devices (eg, home telemonitoring using digital tablets or specific medical devices that enable transmission of physiological data), telephone support, mobile apps and wearables, remote monitoring follow-up in patients with implantable medical devices, and videoconferencing systems. Most of the studies (24/27, 89%) used cost-utility analysis. The majority of the studies (25/27, 93%) were conducted in high-income countries, particularly European countries (16/27, 59%) such as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Mobile apps and wearables, remote monitoring follow-up in patients with implantable medical devices, and videoconferencing systems yielded cost-effective results or even emerged as dominant strategies. However, conflicting results were observed, particularly in noninvasive remote monitoring devices and telephone support. In 15% (4/27) of the studies, these DHIs were found to be less costly and more effective than the comparators (ie, dominant), while 33% (9/27) reported them to be more costly but more effective with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios below the respective willingness-to-pay thresholds (ie, cost-effective). Furthermore, in 11% (3/27) of the studies, noninvasive remote monitoring devices and telephone support were either above the willingness-to-pay thresholds or more costly than, yet as effective as, the comparators (ie, not cost-effective). In terms of reporting quality, the studies were classified as good (20/27, 74%), moderate (6/27, 22%), or excellent (1/27, 4%). Conclusions: Despite the conflicting results, the main findings indicated that, overall, DHIs were more cost-effective than non-DHI alternatives.
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Background Patients with heart failure (HF) and colorectal cancer (CRC) are prone to comorbidity, a high rate of readmission, and complex healthcare needs. Self-care for people with HF and CRC after hospitalisation can be challenging, and patients may leave the hospital unprepared to self-manage their disease at home. eHealth solutions may be a beneficial tool to engage patients in self-care. Methods A randomised controlled trial with an embedded evaluation of intervention engagement and cost-effectiveness will be conducted to investigate the effect of eHealth intervention after hospital discharge on the self-efficacy of self-care. Eligible patients with HF or CRC will be recruited before discharge from two Norwegian university hospitals. The intervention group will use a nurse-assisted intervention—eHealth@Hospital-2-Home—for six weeks. The intervention includes remote monitoring of vital signs; patients’ self-reports of symptoms, health and well-being; secure messaging between patients and hospital-based nurse navigators; and access to specific HF and CRC health-related information. The control group will receive routine care. Data collection will take place before the intervention (baseline), at the end of the intervention (Post-1), and at six months (Post-2). The primary outcome will be self-efficacy in self-care. The secondary outcomes will include measures of burden of treatment, health-related quality of life and 30- and 90-day readmissions. Sub-study analyses are planned in the HF patient population with primary outcomes of self-care behaviour and secondary outcomes of medication adherence, and readmission at 30 days, 90 days and 6 months. Patients’ and nurse navigators’ engagement and experiences with the eHealth intervention and cost-effectiveness will be investigated. Data will be analysed according to intention-to-treat principles. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis. Discussion This protocol will examine the effects of the eHealth@ Hospital-2-Home intervention on self-care in two prevalent patient groups, HF and CRC. It will allow the exploration of a generic framework for an eHealth intervention after hospital discharge, which could be adapted to other patient groups, upscaled, and implemented into clinical practice. Trial registration Clinical trials.gov (ID 301472).
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Aims From a patient and health system perspective, managing worsening heart failure (WHF) as an outpatient has become a priority. Remote management allows early detection of WHF, enabling timely intervention with the aim of preventing hospitalization. The objective of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of remotely managing WHF events using a multiparametric platform. Methods and results All patients enrolled in the heart failure remote management programme of the Bordeaux University Hospital Telemedicine Center between 1 January and 31 December 2021 were included in the study. Follow‐up data were collected until 1 March 2022. Inclusion criteria were chronic heart failure (HF) with New York Heart Association ≥II symptoms and an elevated B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP > 100 pg/mL or N‐terminal‐pro‐BNP > 1000 pg/mL). Patient assessments were performed remotely and included measurements of body weight, blood pressure, heart rate, symptoms, biochemical parameters, and data from cardiac implantable electronic devices when available. In total, 161 patients (71 ± 11 years old, 79% male) were followed for a mean of 291 ± 66 days with a mean adherence to the remote monitoring system of 80 ± 20%. Over this period, 52 (32.3%) patients had 105 WHF events, of which 66 (63%) were successfully managed remotely, the remaining requiring hospitalization. Freedom from WHF events and hospitalization at 300 days were 66% and 85%, respectively ( P < 0.001 for the difference). Increased level of BNP was associated with an increased risk of WHF event [hazard ratio (HR) per unit increase in BNP: 1.001; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1–1.002; P = 0.001] and hospitalization (HR 1.002; 95% CI 1.002–1.003; P = 0.002). A decrease in the level of glomerular filtration rate was associated with an increased risk of hospitalization (HR per unit decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate: 0.946; 95% CI 0.906–0.989; P = 0.014). WHF event recurrence and (re)hospitalization rates at 1‐month were similar among patients managed remotely (18% and 12%, respectively) and those requiring hospitalization (21% and 10%, respectively). Iatrogenic complications occurred more often during hospitalization than remote management (26% vs. 3%, P < 0.001). Conclusions Our study suggests that remote management of WHF events based on a multiparametric approach led by a telemedical centre is feasible and safe. Adopting such a strategy for patients with chronic HF could reduce HF‐related hospitalizations with expected benefits for patients, care providers, and health care systems.
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Objective: Noninvasive telemonitoring aims to improve healthcare for patients with chronic heart failure (HF) by reducing hospitalizations and improving patient experiences. Yet, sustainable adoption seems to be limited. Therefore, the goal of our study is to gain insight in the processes that support sustainable adoption of telemonitoring for patients with HF. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 stakeholders that were involved with the adoption of telemonitoring, such as healthcare professionals, policymakers and healthcare insurers. We analyzed the interviews by using a combination of open-coding and the themes of the Non-adoption or Abandonment of technology by individuals and difficulties achieving Scale-up, Spread and Sustainability framework. Results: We found that telemonitoring projects have moved beyond initial pilot phases despite a high level of complexity on multiple topics. The patient selection, the business case, the evidence, the aims of telemonitoring, integration of telemonitoring in the care pathway, reimbursement, and future centralization were items that yielded different and sometimes contradictory opinions. Conclusions: This study showed that the sustainable adoption of telemonitoring for HF is a complex endeavor. Different aims and perspectives play an important role in the patient selection, design, evaluations and envisioned futures of telemonitoring. High conviction among participants of the added value that telemonitoring may support further adoption of telemonitoring. Structural evaluations will be needed to guide cyclical improvement and adapt programs to employ telemonitoring in such a manner that it contributes to collectively supported aims.
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Unlabelled: (200 w) Introduction. Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) diagnostics helps to identify patients potentially at risk of worsening heart failure (HF). Additionally, knowledge of patient HF-related symptoms is crucial for decision making. Patient smartphone applications may represent an ideal option to remotely collect this information. Purpose: To assess real-world HF patient access, acceptance, and adherence to use of an HF-dedicated smartphone application (HF app). Methods: In this study, 10 Italian hospitals administered a survey on smartphone/app use to HF patients with CIED. The subgroup who accepted it downloaded the HF app. Mean 1-year adherence of the HF app use was evaluated. Results: A total of 495 patients (67 ± 13 years, 79% males, 26% NYHA III-IV) completed the survey, of which 84% had access to smartphones and 85% were willing to use the HF app. In total, 311/495 (63%) downloaded the HF app. Patients who downloaded the HF app were younger and had higher school qualification. Patients who were ≥60 years old had higher mean 1-year adherence (54.1%) than their younger counterparts (42.7%; p < 0.001). Hospitals with RM-dedicated staff had higher mean 1-year patient adherence (64.0% vs. 33.5%; p < 0.001). Adherence to HF app decreased from 63.3% (weeks_1-13) to 42.2% (weeks_40-52, p < 0.001). Conclusions: High access and acceptance of smartphones/apps by HF patients with CIED allow HF app use for RM of patient signs/symptoms. Younger patients with higher school qualifications are more likely to accept HF app; however, older patients have higher long-term adherence.
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Background Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, heart failure (HF) disease management programmes were predominantly delivered in-person, with telemedicine being uncommon. Covid-19 resulted in a rapid shift to “remote-by-default” clinic appointments in many organisations. We evaluated clinician and patient experiences of teleconsultations for HF. Methods From 16th March 2020, all HF appointments at a specialist centre in the UK were telemedicine-by-default through a mixture of telephone and video consultations, with rare in-person appointments. HF clinicians and patients with HF were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews about their experiences. A purposive sampling technique was used. Interviews were conducted using Microsoft Teams®, recorded and transcribed verbatim. Narrative data were explored by thematic analysis. Clinicians and patients were interviewed until themes saturated. Results Eight clinicians and eight patients with HF were interviewed before themes saturated. Five overarching themes emerged: 1) Time utilisation – telemedicine consultations saved patients time travelling to and waiting for appointments. Clinicians perceived them to be more efficient, but more administrative time was involved. 2) Clinical assessment – without physical examination, clinicians relied more on history, observations and test results; video calls were perceived as superior to telephone calls for remote assessment. Patients confident in self-monitoring tended to be more comfortable with telemedicine. 3) Communication and rapport – clinicians experienced difficulty establishing rapport with new patients by telephone, though video was better. Patients generally did not perceive that remote consultation affected their rapport with clinicians. 4) Technology – connection issues occasionally disrupted video consultations, but overall patients and clinicians found the technology easy to use. 5) Choice and flexibility – both patients and clinicians believed that the choice of modality should be situation-dependent. Conclusions Telemedicine HF consultations were more convenient for patients, saved them time, and were generally acceptable to clinicians, but changed workflows, consultation dynamics, and how clinical assessment was performed. Telemedicine should be used alongside in-person appointments in a “hybrid” model tailored to individual patients and settings.
Article
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