Integrated telemonitoring and telecare for patients with heart failure.

Background:

Heart failure is a prevalent chronic disease with a poor prognosis and a large negative impact on quality of life. Due to the general rise in life expectancy and improved treatment options for cardiovascular disease, the incidence and prevalence of heart failure are expected to increase. Since heart failure is an important cause for hospitalization, prevention of exacerbation of symptoms is important in order to facilitate timely intervention and preserve quality of life. Telemonitoring of symptoms may be a feasible and effective method for managing the health of heart failure patients.



Methods/Design:

This randomized controlled trial will examine the effects of integrated telecare and telemonitoring of blood pressure and weight in 200 older primary care patients with heart failure compared to usual care. The main outcomes are quality of life and hospitalization. Quality of life will be assessed with questionnaires at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months.



Discussion and implications of the research:

This study will show if integrated telemonitoring and telecare is feasible and affects quality of life and hospital admissions of older patients with heart failure in primary care.

The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of integrated telemonitoring and telecare, compared to usual care, on quality of life and hospitalization in patients with heart failure in primary care.

Baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Patients will be randomized to care as usual or integrated telemonitoring and telecare for the duration of one year.
Care as usual consists of regular care by a general practitioner, practice nurse and/or cardiologist.
The integrated telemonitoring and telecare consists of remote monitoring of blood pressure and weight and a social alarm which will be handled by a case manager on a call center. The integrated telemonitoring and telecare takes place in addition to care as usual.