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Brahmbhatt DH, Ross HJ, O'Sullivan M, Artanian V, Mueller B, Runeckles K, Steve Fan CP, Rac VE, Seto E. The Effect of Using a Remote Patient Management Platform in Optimizing Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy in Heart Failure Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JACC. HEART FAILURE 2024; 12:678-690. [PMID: 38569821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchf.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) remains underutilized in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, leading to morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES The Medly Titrate (Use of Telemonitoring to Facilitate Heart Failure Mediation Titration) study was an open-label, randomized controlled trial to determine whether remote medication titration for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was more effective than usual care (UC). METHODS In this study, 108 patients were randomized to remote GDMT titration through the Medly heart failure program (n = 56) vs UC (n = 52). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients completing GDMT titration at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included the number of clinic visits and time required to achieve titration, patient health outcomes, and health care utilization, including urgent clinic/emergency department visits and hospitalization. RESULTS At 6 months, GDMT titration was completed in 82.1% (95% CI: 71.2%-90.8%) of patients in the intervention arm vs 53.8% in UC (95% CI: 41.1%-67.7%; P = 0.001). Remote titration required fewer in-person (1.62 ± 1.09 vs 2.42 ± 1.65; P = 0.004) and virtual clinic visits (0.50 ± 1.08 vs 1.29 ± 1.86; P = 0.009) to complete titration. Median time to optimization was shorter with remote titration (3.42 months [Q1-Q3: 2.99-4.04 months] vs 5.47 months [Q1-Q3: 4.14-7.33 months]; P < 0.001). The number of urgent clinic/emergency department visits (incidence rate ratio of remote vs control groups: 0.90 [95% CI: 0.53-1.56]; P = 0.70) were similar between groups, with a reduction in all-cause hospitalization with remote titration (incidence rate ratio: 0.55 [95% CI: 0.31-0.97]; P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS Remote titration of GDMT in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was effective, safe, feasible, and increased the proportion of patients achieving target doses, in a shorter period of time with no excess adverse events compared with UC. (Use of Telemonitoring to Facilitate Heart Failure Mediation Titration [Medly Titrate]; NCT04205513).
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshan H Brahmbhatt
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather J Ross
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary O'Sullivan
- Centre for Digital Therapeutics, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Veronica Artanian
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brigitte Mueller
- Ted Rogers Computational Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyle Runeckles
- Ted Rogers Computational Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chun-Po Steve Fan
- Ted Rogers Computational Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valeria E Rac
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Ted Rogers Computational Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Program for Health System and Technology Evaluation, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Seto
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Digital Therapeutics, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Accorsi TAD, dos Santos GGR, Nemoto RP, Moreira FT, De Amicis K, Köhler KF, Cordioli E, Pedrotti CHS. Telemedicine and patients with heart failure: evidence and unresolved issues. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2024; 22:eRW0393. [PMID: 38451690 PMCID: PMC10948100 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2024rw0393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure is the leading cause of cardiac-related hospitalizations. Limited access to reevaluations and outpatient appointments restricts the application of modern therapies. Telemedicine has become an essential resource in the healthcare system because of its countless benefits, such as higher and more frequent appointments and faster titration of medications. This narrative review aimed to demonstrate the evidence and unresolved issues related to the use of telemedicine in patients with heart failure. No studies have examined heart failure prevention; however, several studies have addressed the prevention of decompensation with positive results. Telemedicine can be used to evaluate all patients with heart failure, and many telemedicine platforms are available. Several strategies, including both noninvasive (phone calls, weight measurement, and virtual visits) and invasive (implantable pulmonary artery catheters) strategies can be implemented. Given these benefits, telemedicine is highly desirable, particularly for vulnerable groups. Although some questions remain unanswered, the development of new technologies can complement remote visits and improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renato Paladino Nemoto
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazilHospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Flavio Tocci Moreira
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazilHospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Karine De Amicis
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazilHospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Karen Francine Köhler
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazilHospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo Cordioli
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazilHospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Stremmel C, Breitschwerdt R. Digital Transformation in the Diagnostics and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases: Comprehensive Literature Review. JMIR Cardio 2023; 7:e44983. [PMID: 37647103 PMCID: PMC10500361 DOI: 10.2196/44983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The digital transformation of our health care system has experienced a clear shift in the last few years due to political, medical, and technical innovations and reorganization. In particular, the cardiovascular field has undergone a significant change, with new broad perspectives in terms of optimized treatment strategies for patients nowadays. OBJECTIVE After a short historical introduction, this comprehensive literature review aimed to provide a detailed overview of the scientific evidence regarding digitalization in the diagnostics and therapy of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). METHODS We performed an extensive literature search of the PubMed database and included all related articles that were published as of March 2022. Of the 3021 studies identified, 1639 (54.25%) studies were selected for a structured analysis and presentation (original articles: n=1273, 77.67%; reviews or comments: n=366, 22.33%). In addition to studies on CVDs in general, 829 studies could be assigned to a specific CVD with a diagnostic and therapeutic approach. For data presentation, all 829 publications were grouped into 6 categories of CVDs. RESULTS Evidence-based innovations in the cardiovascular field cover a wide medical spectrum, starting from the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases or arrhythmias and overoptimized workflows in the emergency care setting of acute myocardial infarction to telemedical care for patients having chronic diseases such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or hypertension. The use of smartphones and wearables as well as the integration of artificial intelligence provides important tools for location-independent medical care and the prevention of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Digital transformation has opened up multiple new perspectives in the cardiovascular field, with rapidly expanding scientific evidence. Beyond important improvements in terms of patient care, these innovations are also capable of reducing costs for our health care system. In the next few years, digital transformation will continue to revolutionize the field of cardiovascular medicine and broaden our medical and scientific horizons.
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Auener SL, van Dulmen SA, van Kimmenade R, Westert GP, Jeurissen PPJ. Sustainable adoption of noninvasive telemonitoring for chronic heart failure: A qualitative study in the Netherlands. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231196998. [PMID: 37654710 PMCID: PMC10467184 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231196998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
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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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan L. Auener
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Simone A. van Dulmen
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R van Kimmenade
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gert P Westert
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick PJ Jeurissen
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Artanian V, Ware P, Rac VE, Ross HJ, Seto E. Experiences and Perceptions of Patients and Providers Participating in Remote Titration of Heart Failure Medication Facilitated by Telemonitoring: Qualitative Study. JMIR Cardio 2021; 5:e28259. [PMID: 34842546 PMCID: PMC8663515 DOI: 10.2196/28259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), optimized to target doses, improves health outcomes in patients with heart failure. However, GDMT remains underused, with <25% of patients receiving target doses in clinical practice. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre in Toronto to compare a remote GDMT titration intervention with standard in-office titration. This randomized controlled trial found that remote titration increased the proportion of patients who achieved optimal GDMT doses, decreased the time to dose optimization, and reduced the number of essential clinic visits. This paper presents findings from the qualitative component of the mixed methods study, which evaluated the implementation of the remote titration intervention. OBJECTIVE The objective of the qualitative component is to assess the perceptions and experiences of clinicians and patients with heart failure who participated in the remote titration intervention to identify factors that affected the implementation of the intervention. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with clinicians (n=5) and patients (n=11) who participated in the remote titration intervention. Questions probed the experiences of the participants to identify factors that can serve as barriers and facilitators to its implementation. Conventional content analysis was first used to analyze the interviews and gain direct information based on the participants' unique perspectives. Subsequently, the generated themes were delineated and mapped following a multilevel framework. RESULTS Patients and clinicians indicated that the intervention was easy to use, integrated well into their routines, and removed practical barriers to titration. Key implementation facilitators from the patients' perspective included the reduction in clinic visits and daily monitoring of their condition, whereas clinicians emphasized the benefits of rapid drug titration and efficient patient management. Key implementation barriers included the resources necessary to support the intervention and lack of physician remuneration. CONCLUSIONS This study presents results from a real-world implementation assessment of remote titration facilitated by telemonitoring. It is among the first to provide insight into the perception of the remote titration process by clinicians and patients. Our findings indicate that the relative advantages that remote titration presents over standard care strongly appeal to both clinicians and patients. However, to ensure uptake and adherence, it is important to ensure that suitable patients are enrolled and the impact on the physicians' workload is minimized. The implementation of remote titration is now more critical than ever, as it can help provide access to care for patients during times when physical distancing is required. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04205513; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04205513. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/19705.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Artanian
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick Ware
- Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Valeria E Rac
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Program for Health System and Technology Evaluation, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Heather J Ross
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Seto
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Abstract
Despite favorable effects from telemedicine (TM) on cardiovascular diseases, outcome and comparative impact of TM on heart failure (HF) adults remain controversial. A meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the evidence from existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared potential impact of TM on HF with conventional healthcare. TM mainly included structure telephone support (STS), involving interactive vocal response monitoring and telemonitoring. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify RCTs to fit our analysis (1999 to 2018). Odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used. Sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and tests for publication bias were conducted. Heterogeneities were also evaluated by I2 tests. A total of 29 RCTs consisting of 10,981 HF adults were selected for meta-level synthesis, with follow-up range of 1-36 months. Telemonitoring is associated with the reduction in total number of all-cause hospitalization (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.91, P = 0.0004) and cardiac hospitalization (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.95, P = 0.007). Telemonitoring resulted in statistically significant risk reduction of all-cause mortality (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62-0.90, P = 0.003). However, the OR of HF-related mortality (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.61-1.16, P = 0.28) is not significantly distinguishable from that of conventional healthcare. Receiving STS interventions is likely to reduce the hospitalization for all causes (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78-0.96, P = 0.006, I2 = 6%) and the hospitalization due to HF (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.65-0.85, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%), compared with interventions from conventional healthcare. OR of all-cause STS mortality (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.83-1.11, P = 0.55) was identified in meta-analyses of eight cases. OR of STS cardiac mortality (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34-0.86, P = 0.009) was identified in meta-analyses of three cases. This work represents the comprehensive application of network meta-analysis to examine the comparative effectiveness of telemedicine interventions in improving HF patient outcomes. Compared with conventional healthcare, telemedicine systems with medical support prove to be more effective for HF adults, particularly in reducing all-cause hospitalization, cardiac hospitalization, all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and length of stay. While further research is required to confirm these observational findings and identify optimal telemedicine strategies and the duration of follow-up for which it confers benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhu
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Cardiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Gu
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Cardiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, China.
| | - Chao Xu
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
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7
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Bolash RB. Caring from Afar: enabling remote titration of neuromodulation devices. Minerva Anestesiol 2020; 87:614-615. [PMID: 33319955 DOI: 10.23736/s0375-9393.20.15248-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Bolash
- Department of Pain Management, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA -
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8
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Artanian V, Ross HJ, Rac VE, O'Sullivan M, Brahmbhatt DH, Seto E. Impact of Remote Titration Combined With Telemonitoring on the Optimization of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy for Patients With Heart Failure: Internal Pilot of a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Cardio 2020; 4:e21962. [PMID: 33141094 PMCID: PMC7671843 DOI: 10.2196/21962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To improve health outcomes in patients with heart failure, guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) should be optimized to target doses. However, GDMT remains underutilized, with less than 25% of patients receiving target doses in clinical practice. Telemonitoring could provide reliable and real-time physiological data for clinical decision support to facilitate remote GDMT titration. Objective This paper aims to present findings from an internal pilot study regarding the effectiveness of remote titration facilitated by telemonitoring. Methods A 2-arm randomized controlled pilot trial comparing remote titration versus standard care in a heart function clinic was conducted. Patients were randomized to undergo remote medication titration facilitated by data from a smartphone-based telemonitoring system or standard titration performed during clinic visits. Results A total of 42 patients with new-onset (10/42, 24%) and existing (32/42, 76%) heart failure and a mean age of 55.29 (SD 11.28) years were randomized between January and June 2019. Within 6 months of enrollment, 86% (18/21) of patients in the intervention group achieved optimal doses versus 48% (10/21) of patients in the control group. The median time to dose optimization was 11.0 weeks for the intervention group versus 18.8 weeks for the control group. The number of in-person visits in the intervention group was 54.5% lower than in the control group. Conclusions The results of this pilot study suggest that remote titration facilitated by telemonitoring has the potential to increase the proportion of patients who achieve optimal GDMT doses, decrease time to dose optimization, and reduce the number of clinic visits. Remote titration may facilitate optimal and efficient titration of patients with heart failure while reducing the burden for patients to attend in-person clinic visits. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04205513; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04205513 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/preprints.19705
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Artanian
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Heather J Ross
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Valeria E Rac
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mary O'Sullivan
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Division of Cardiology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Darshan H Brahmbhatt
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Division of Cardiology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Seto
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Artanian V, Rac VE, Ross HJ, Seto E. Impact of Remote Titration Combined With Telemonitoring on the Optimization of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy for Patients With Heart Failure: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e19705. [PMID: 33048057 PMCID: PMC7592063 DOI: 10.2196/19705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), optimized to maximum tolerated doses, has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). Timely use and optimization of GDMT can improve HF symptoms, reduce the burden of hospitalization, and increase survival rates, whereas GDMT deferral may worsen the progression of HF, decrease survival rates, and predispose patients to poor outcomes. However, studies indicate that GDMT remains underused, with less than 25% of patients receiving target doses in clinical practice. Telemonitoring is a potential component in the management of HF that can provide reliable and real-time physiological data for clinical decision support and facilitate remote titration of medication. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of remote titration facilitated by telemonitoring on health care outcomes, with a primary outcome measure being the proportion of patients achieving target doses. The secondary objective is to identify the barriers and facilitators that can affect the implementation and effectiveness of the intervention. METHODS A mixed methods study of a smartphone-based telemonitoring system is being conducted at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC), University Health Network, Toronto. The study is based on an effectiveness-implementation hybrid design and incorporates process evaluations alongside the assessment of clinical outcomes. The effectiveness research component is assessed by a two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) aiming to enroll 108 patients. The RCT compares a remote titration strategy that uses data from a smartphone-based telemonitoring system with a standard titration program consisting of in-office visits. The implementation research component consists of a qualitative study based on semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of clinicians and patients. RESULTS Patient recruitment began in January 2019 at PMCC, with a total of 76 participants recruited by February 24, 2020 (39 in the intervention group and 37 in the control group). The final analysis is expected to be completed by the winter of 2021. CONCLUSIONS This study will be among the first to provide evidence on the implementation of remote titration facilitated by telemonitoring and its impact on patient health outcomes. The successful use of telemonitoring for this purpose has the potential to alter the existing approach to titration of HF medication and support the development of a care delivery model that combines clinic visits with virtual follow-ups. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04205513; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04205513. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/19705.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Artanian
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Valeria E Rac
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Heather J Ross
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Seto
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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10
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Long-term effects of telemonitoring on healthcare usage in patients with heart failure or COPD. CLINICAL EHEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceh.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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Brons M, Koudstaal S, Asselbergs FW. Algorithms used in telemonitoring programmes for patients with chronic heart failure: A systematic review. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2018; 17:580-588. [PMID: 29954184 PMCID: PMC6168739 DOI: 10.1177/1474515118786838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Non-invasive telemonitoring programmes detecting deterioration of heart
failure are increasingly used in heart failure care. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare different monitoring algorithms used in
non-invasive telemonitoring programmes for patients with chronic heart
failure. Methods: We performed a systematic literature review in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase to
identify published reports on non-invasive telemonitoring programmes in
patients with heart failure aged over 18 years. Results: Out of 99 studies included in the study, 20 (20%) studies described the
algorithm used for monitoring worsening heart failure or algorithms used for
titration of heart failure medication. Most frequently used biometric
measurements were bodyweight (96%), blood pressure (85%) and heart rate
(61%). Algorithms to detect worsening heart failure were based on daily
changes in bodyweight in 20 (100%) studies and/or blood pressure in 12 (60%)
studies. In 12 (60%) studies patients were contacted by telephone in the
case of measurements outside thresholds. Conclusion: Only one in five studies on telemonitoring in chronic heart failure reported
the algorithm that was used to detect worsening heart failure. Standardised
description of the telemonitoring algorithm can expedite the identification
of key components in telemonitoring algorithms that allow accurate
prediction of worsening heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Brons
- 1 Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Koudstaal
- 1 Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.,2 Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research, University College London, UK
| | - Folkert W Asselbergs
- 1 Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.,4 Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, UK
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Smeets CJ, Storms V, Vandervoort PM, Dreesen P, Vranken J, Houbrechts M, Goris H, Grieten L, Dendale P. A Novel Intelligent Two-Way Communication System for Remote Heart Failure Medication Uptitration (the CardioCoach Study): Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial. JMIR Cardio 2018; 2:e8. [PMID: 31758773 PMCID: PMC6834244 DOI: 10.2196/cardio.9153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the treatment of heart failure (HF) prescribe uptitration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and β-blockers to the maximum-tolerated, evidence-based dose. Although HF prognosis can drastically improve when correctly implementing these guidelines, studies have shown that they are insufficiently implemented in clinical practice. Objective The aim of this study was to verify whether supplementing the usual care with the CardioCoach follow-up tool is feasible and safe, and whether the tool is more efficient in implementing the guideline recommendations for β-blocker and ACE-I. Methods A total of 25 HF patients were randomly assigned to either the usual care control group (n=10) or CardioCoach intervention group (n=15), and observed for 6 months. The CardioCoach follow-up tool is a two-way communication platform with decision support algorithms for semiautomatic remote medication uptitration. Remote monitoring sensors automatically transmit patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, and weight on a daily basis. Results Patients’ satisfaction and adherence for medication intake (10,018/10,825, 92.55%) and vital sign measurements (4504/4758, 94.66%) were excellent. However, the number of technical issues that arose was large, with 831 phone contacts (median 41, IQR 32-65) in total. The semiautomatic remote uptitration was safe, as there were no adverse events and no false positive uptitration proposals. Although no significant differences were found between both groups, a higher number of patients were on guideline-recommended medication dose in both groups compared with previous reports. Conclusions The CardioCoach follow-up tool for remote uptitration is feasible and safe and was found to be efficient in facilitating information exchange between care providers, with high patient satisfaction and adherence. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03294811; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03294811 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6xLiWVsgM)
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Jp Smeets
- Department of Cardiology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Future Health Department, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Mobile Health Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Valerie Storms
- Mobile Health Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Pieter M Vandervoort
- Department of Cardiology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Future Health Department, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Mobile Health Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Pauline Dreesen
- Future Health Department, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Mobile Health Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Julie Vranken
- Department of Cardiology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Future Health Department, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Mobile Health Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Hanne Goris
- Department of Cardiology, Jessa Ziekenhuis, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Lars Grieten
- Mobile Health Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Paul Dendale
- Department of Cardiology, Jessa Ziekenhuis, Hasselt, Belgium
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D'Onofrio A, Palmisano P, Rapacciuolo A, Ammendola E, Calò L, Ruocco A, Bianchi V, Maresca F, Del Giorno G, Martino A, Mauro C, Campari M, Valsecchi S, Accogli M. Effectiveness of a management program for outpatient clinic or remote titration of beta-blockers in CRT patients: The RESTORE study. Int J Cardiol 2017; 236:290-295. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Or CK, Tao D, Wang H. The effectiveness of the use of consumer health information technology in patients with heart failure: A meta-analysis and narrative review of randomized controlled trials. J Telemed Telecare 2016; 23:155-166. [PMID: 26759365 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x15625540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine whether the use of consumer health information technologies (CHITs) has an impact on outcomes of patients in the self-management of heart failure (HF). Methods A literature search of six electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant reports of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the analysis. Mortality, hospitalization and length of hospital stay were meta-analyzed and other patient outcomes were synthesized using a narrative approach. Results The literature search identified 50 studies, representing 43 RCTs, comparing the use of CHITs with usual care for HF patients. The meta-analysis showed that the use of CHITs reduced the risk of HF-caused mortality (relative risk (RR) = 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54-0.91), p = 0.007), lowered the risk of HF-caused hospitalization (RR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.66-0.96), p = 0.020), and shortened HF-caused length of hospital stay (mean difference = -0.52, 95% CI: -0.77 to -0.27, p < 0.00), but not all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalization or all-cause length of hospital stay, compared with usual care. The narrative synthesis indicated that only a small proportion of the trials reported positive effects of CHITs over usual care. Conclusions Evidence from RCTs presents mixed results on the impacts of CHITs for HF management. Further studies are required to assess whether and how CHITs would play a role in enhancing health care and patient outcomes and what specific CHIT features and functions are relevant to different HF treatment goals and self-care objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Kl Or
- 1 Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Da Tao
- 2 Institute of Human Factors and Ergonomics, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, China
| | - Hailiang Wang
- 1 Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, China
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Driscoll A, Currey J, Tonkin A, Krum H. Nurse-led titration of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, and angiotensin receptor blockers for people with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 2015:CD009889. [PMID: 26689943 PMCID: PMC8407457 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009889.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure is associated with high mortality and hospital readmissions. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) can improve survival and reduce hospital readmissions and are recommended as first-line therapy in the treatment of heart failure. Evidence has also shown that there is a dose-dependent relationship of these medications with patient outcomes. Despite this evidence, primary care physicians are reluctant to up-titrate these medications. New strategies aimed at facilitating this up-titration are warranted. Nurse-led titration (NLT) is one such strategy. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of NLT of beta-adrenergic blocking agents, ACEIs, and ARBs in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in terms of safety and patient outcomes. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL Issue 11 of 12, 19/12/2014), MEDLINE OVID (1946 to November week 3 2014), and EMBASE Classic and EMBASE OVID (1947 to 2014 week 50). We also searched reference lists of relevant primary studies, systematic reviews, clinical trial registries, and unpublished theses sources. We used no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NLT of beta-adrenergic blocking agents, ACEIs, and/or ARBs comparing the optimisation of these medications by a nurse to optimisation by another health professional in patients with HFrEF. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors (AD & JC) independently assessed studies for eligibility and risk of bias. We contacted primary authors if we required additional information. We examined quality of evidence using the GRADE rating tool for RCTs. We analysed extracted data by risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous data to measure effect sizes of intervention group compared with usual-care group. Meta-analyses used the fixed-effect Mantel-Haenszel method. We assessed heterogeneity between studies by Chi(2) and I(2). MAIN RESULTS We included seven studies (1684 participants) in the review. One study enrolled participants from a residential care facility, and the other six studies from primary care and outpatient clinics. All-cause hospital admission data was available in four studies (556 participants). Participants in the NLT group experienced a lower rate of all-cause hospital admissions (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.88, high-quality evidence) and fewer hospital admissions related to heart failure (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.72, moderate-quality evidence) compared to the usual-care group. Six studies (902 participants) examined all-cause mortality. All-cause mortality was also lower in the NLT group (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.92, moderate-quality evidence) compared to usual care. Approximately 27 deaths could be avoided for every 1000 people receiving NLT of beta-adrenergic blocking agents, ACEIs, and ARBs. Only three studies (370 participants) reported outcomes on all-cause and heart failure-related event-free survival. Participants in the NLT group were more likely to remain event free compared to participants in the usual-care group (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.77, moderate-quality evidence). Five studies (966 participants) reported on the number of participants reaching target dose of beta-adrenergic blocking agents. This was also higher in the NLT group compared to usual care (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.61 to 2.47, low-quality evidence). However, there was a substantial degree of heterogeneity in this pooled analysis. We rated the risk of bias in these studies as high mainly due to a lack of clarity regarding incomplete outcome data, lack of reporting on adverse events associated with the intervention, and the inability to blind participants and personnel. Participants in the NLT group reached maximal dose of beta-adrenergic blocking agents in half the time compared with participants in usual care. Two studies reported on adverse events; one of these studies stated there were no adverse events, and the other study found one adverse event but did not specify the type or severity of the adverse event. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Participants in the NLT group experienced fewer hospital admissions for any cause and an increase in survival and number of participants reaching target dose within a shorter time period. However, the quality of evidence regarding the proportion of participants reaching target dose was low and should be interpreted with caution. We found high-quality evidence supporting NLT as one strategy that may improve the optimisation of beta-adrenergic blocking agents resulting in a reduction in hospital admissions. Despite evidence of a dose-dependent relationship of beta-adrenergic blocking agents, ACEIs, and ARBs with improving outcomes in patients with HFrEF, the translation of this evidence into clinical practice is poor. NLT is one strategy that facilitates the implementation of this evidence into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Driscoll
- Deakin UniversitySchool of Nursing and MidwiferyGeelongAustralia
| | - Judy Currey
- Deakin UniversitySchool of Nursing and MidwiferyGeelongAustralia
| | - Andrew Tonkin
- Monash UniversityDepartment of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine99 Commercial RoadMelbourneVictoriaAustralia3004
| | - Henry Krum
- Monash University/The Alfred HospitalDepartment of Epidemiology & Preventive MedicineCentral & Eastern Clinical School, The AlfredCommercial RoadMelbourneVictoriaAustralia3004
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Abstract
The interface between eHealth technologies and disease management in chronic conditions such as chronic heart failure (CHF) has advanced beyond the research domain. The substantial morbidity, mortality, health resource utilization and costs imposed by chronic disease, accompanied by increasing prevalence, complex comorbidities and changing client and health staff demographics, have pushed the boundaries of eHealth to alleviate costs whilst maintaining services. Whilst the intentions are laudable and the technology is appealing, this nonetheless requires careful scrutiny. This review aims to describe this technology and explore the current evidence and measures to enhance its implementation.
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Inglis SC, Clark RA, Dierckx R, Prieto-Merino D, Cleland JGF. Structured telephone support or non-invasive telemonitoring for patients with heart failure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 2015:CD007228. [PMID: 26517969 PMCID: PMC8482064 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007228.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialised disease management programmes for heart failure aim to improve care, clinical outcomes and/or reduce healthcare utilisation. Since the last version of this review in 2010, several new trials of structured telephone support and non-invasive home telemonitoring have been published which have raised questions about their effectiveness. OBJECTIVES To review randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of structured telephone support or non-invasive home telemonitoring compared to standard practice for people with heart failure, in order to quantify the effects of these interventions over and above usual care. SEARCH METHODS We updated the searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Health Technology AsseFssment Database (HTA) on the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Conference Proceedings Citation Index- Science (CPCI-S) on Web of Science (Thomson Reuters), AMED, Proquest Theses and Dissertations, IEEE Xplore and TROVE in January 2015. We handsearched bibliographies of relevant studies and systematic reviews and abstract conference proceedings. We applied no language limits. SELECTION CRITERIA We included only peer-reviewed, published RCTs comparing structured telephone support or non-invasive home telemonitoring to usual care of people with chronic heart failure. The intervention or usual care could not include protocol-driven home visits or more intensive than usual (typically four to six weeks) clinic follow-up. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We present data as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Primary outcomes included all-cause mortality, all-cause and heart failure-related hospitalisations, which we analysed using a fixed-effect model. Other outcomes included length of stay, health-related quality of life, heart failure knowledge and self care, acceptability and cost; we described and tabulated these. We performed meta-regression to assess homogeneity (the null hypothesis) in each subgroup analysis and to see if the effect of the intervention varied according to some quantitative variable (such as year of publication or median age). MAIN RESULTS We include 41 studies of either structured telephone support or non-invasive home telemonitoring for people with heart failure, of which 17 were new and 24 had been included in the previous Cochrane review. In the current review, 25 studies evaluated structured telephone support (eight new studies, plus one study previously included but classified as telemonitoring; total of 9332 participants), 18 evaluated telemonitoring (nine new studies; total of 3860 participants). Two of the included studies trialled both structured telephone support and telemonitoring compared to usual care, therefore 43 comparisons are evident.Non-invasive telemonitoring reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.94; participants = 3740; studies = 17; I² = 24%, GRADE: moderate-quality evidence) and heart failure-related hospitalisations (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.83; participants = 2148; studies = 8; I² = 20%, GRADE: moderate-quality evidence). Structured telephone support reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.98; participants = 9222; studies = 22; I² = 0%, GRADE: moderate-quality evidence) and heart failure-related hospitalisations (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.93; participants = 7030; studies = 16; I² = 27%, GRADE: moderate-quality evidence).Neither structured telephone support nor telemonitoring demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of all-cause hospitalisations (structured telephone support: RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.00; participants = 7216; studies = 16; I² = 47%, GRADE: very low-quality evidence; non-invasive telemonitoring: RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.01; participants = 3332; studies = 13; I² = 71%, GRADE: very low-quality evidence).Seven structured telephone support studies reported length of stay, with one reporting a significant reduction in length of stay in hospital. Nine telemonitoring studies reported length of stay outcome, with one study reporting a significant reduction in the length of stay with the intervention. One telemonitoring study reported a large difference in the total number of hospitalisations for more than three days, but this was not an analysis of length of stay per hospitalisation. Nine of 11 structured telephone support studies and five of 11 telemonitoring studies reported significant improvements in health-related quality of life. Nine structured telephone support studies and six telemonitoring studies reported costs of the intervention or cost effectiveness. Three structured telephone support studies and one telemonitoring study reported a decrease in costs and two telemonitoring studies reported increases in cost, due both to the cost of the intervention and to increased medical management. Adherence was rated between 55.1% and 98.5% for those structured telephone support and telemonitoring studies which reported this outcome. Participant acceptance of the intervention was reported in the range of 76% to 97% for studies which evaluated this outcome. Seven of nine studies that measured these outcomes reported significant improvements in heart failure knowledge and self-care behaviours. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS For people with heart failure, structured telephone support and non-invasive home telemonitoring reduce the risk of all-cause mortality and heart failure-related hospitalisations; these interventions also demonstrated improvements in health-related quality of life and heart failure knowledge and self-care behaviours. Studies also demonstrated participant satisfaction with the majority of the interventions which assessed this outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally C Inglis
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Flodgren G, Rachas A, Farmer AJ, Inzitari M, Shepperd S. Interactive telemedicine: effects on professional practice and health care outcomes. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2015. [PMID: 26343551 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002098.pub2.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine (TM) is the use of telecommunication systems to deliver health care at a distance. It has the potential to improve patient health outcomes, access to health care and reduce healthcare costs. As TM applications continue to evolve it is important to understand the impact TM might have on patients, healthcare professionals and the organisation of care. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness, acceptability and costs of interactive TM as an alternative to, or in addition to, usual care (i.e. face-to-face care, or telephone consultation). SEARCH METHODS We searched the Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group's specialised register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, five other databases and two trials registers to June 2013, together with reference checking, citation searching, handsearching and contact with study authors to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered randomised controlled trials of interactive TM that involved direct patient-provider interaction and was delivered in addition to, or substituting for, usual care compared with usual care alone, to participants with any clinical condition. We excluded telephone only interventions and wholly automatic self-management TM interventions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS For each condition, we pooled outcome data that were sufficiently homogenous using fixed effect meta-analysis. We reported risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes. MAIN RESULTS We included 93 eligible trials (N = 22,047 participants), which evaluated the effectiveness of interactive TM delivered in addition to (32% of studies), as an alternative to (57% of studies), or partly substituted for usual care (11%) as compared to usual care alone.The included studies recruited patients with the following clinical conditions: cardiovascular disease (36), diabetes (21), respiratory conditions (9), mental health or substance abuse conditions (7), conditions requiring a specialist consultation (6), co morbidities (3), urogenital conditions (3), neurological injuries and conditions (2), gastrointestinal conditions (2), neonatal conditions requiring specialist care (2), solid organ transplantation (1), and cancer (1).Telemedicine provided remote monitoring (55 studies), or real-time video-conferencing (38 studies), which was used either alone or in combination. The main TM function varied depending on clinical condition, but fell typically into one of the following six categories, with some overlap: i) monitoring of a chronic condition to detect early signs of deterioration and prompt treatment and advice, (41); ii) provision of treatment or rehabilitation (12), for example the delivery of cognitive behavioural therapy, or incontinence training; iii) education and advice for self-management (23), for example nurses delivering education to patients with diabetes or providing support to parents of very low birth weight infants or to patients with home parenteral nutrition; iv) specialist consultations for diagnosis and treatment decisions (8), v) real-time assessment of clinical status, for example post-operative assessment after minor operation or follow-up after solid organ transplantation (8) vi), screening, for angina (1).The type of data transmitted by the patient, the frequency of data transfer, (e.g. telephone, e-mail, SMS) and frequency of interactions between patient and healthcare provider varied across studies, as did the type of healthcare provider/s and healthcare system involved in delivering the intervention.We found no difference between groups for all-cause mortality for patients with heart failure (16 studies; N = 5239; RR:0.89, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.03, P = 0.12; I(2) = 44%) (moderate to high certainty of evidence) at a median of six months follow-up. Admissions to hospital (11 studies; N = 4529) ranged from a decrease of 64% to an increase of 60% at median eight months follow-up (moderate certainty of evidence). We found some evidence of improved quality of life (five studies; N = 482; MD:-4.39, 95% CI -7.94 to -0.83; P < 0.02; I(2) = 0%) (moderate certainty of evidence) for those allocated to TM as compared with usual care at a median three months follow-up. In studies recruiting participants with diabetes (16 studies; N = 2768) we found lower glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c %) levels in those allocated to TM than in controls (MD -0.31, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.24; P < 0.00001; I(2)= 42%, P = 0.04) (high certainty of evidence) at a median of nine months follow-up. We found some evidence for a decrease in LDL (four studies, N = 1692; MD -12.45, 95% CI -14.23 to -10.68; P < 0.00001; I(2 =) 0%) (moderate certainty of evidence), and blood pressure (four studies, N = 1770: MD: SBP:-4.33, 95% CI -5.30 to -3.35, P < 0.00001; I(2) = 17%; DBP: -2.75 95% CI -3.28 to -2.22, P < 0.00001; I(2) = 45% (moderate certainty evidence), in TM as compared with usual care.Seven studies that recruited participants with different mental health and substance abuse problems, reported no differences in the effect of therapy delivered over video-conferencing, as compared to face-to-face delivery. Findings from the other studies were inconsistent; there was some evidence that monitoring via TM improved blood pressure control in participants with hypertension, and a few studies reported improved symptom scores for those with a respiratory condition. Studies recruiting participants requiring mental health services and those requiring specialist consultation for a dermatological condition reported no differences between groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The findings in our review indicate that the use of TM in the management of heart failure appears to lead to similar health outcomes as face-to-face or telephone delivery of care; there is evidence that TM can improve the control of blood glucose in those with diabetes. The cost to a health service, and acceptability by patients and healthcare professionals, is not clear due to limited data reported for these outcomes. The effectiveness of TM may depend on a number of different factors, including those related to the study population e.g. the severity of the condition and the disease trajectory of the participants, the function of the intervention e.g., if it is used for monitoring a chronic condition, or to provide access to diagnostic services, as well as the healthcare provider and healthcare system involved in delivering the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Flodgren
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK, OX3 7LF
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Flodgren G, Rachas A, Farmer AJ, Inzitari M, Shepperd S. Interactive telemedicine: effects on professional practice and health care outcomes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 2015:CD002098. [PMID: 26343551 PMCID: PMC6473731 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002098.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 343] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine (TM) is the use of telecommunication systems to deliver health care at a distance. It has the potential to improve patient health outcomes, access to health care and reduce healthcare costs. As TM applications continue to evolve it is important to understand the impact TM might have on patients, healthcare professionals and the organisation of care. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness, acceptability and costs of interactive TM as an alternative to, or in addition to, usual care (i.e. face-to-face care, or telephone consultation). SEARCH METHODS We searched the Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group's specialised register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, five other databases and two trials registers to June 2013, together with reference checking, citation searching, handsearching and contact with study authors to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered randomised controlled trials of interactive TM that involved direct patient-provider interaction and was delivered in addition to, or substituting for, usual care compared with usual care alone, to participants with any clinical condition. We excluded telephone only interventions and wholly automatic self-management TM interventions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS For each condition, we pooled outcome data that were sufficiently homogenous using fixed effect meta-analysis. We reported risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes. MAIN RESULTS We included 93 eligible trials (N = 22,047 participants), which evaluated the effectiveness of interactive TM delivered in addition to (32% of studies), as an alternative to (57% of studies), or partly substituted for usual care (11%) as compared to usual care alone.The included studies recruited patients with the following clinical conditions: cardiovascular disease (36), diabetes (21), respiratory conditions (9), mental health or substance abuse conditions (7), conditions requiring a specialist consultation (6), co morbidities (3), urogenital conditions (3), neurological injuries and conditions (2), gastrointestinal conditions (2), neonatal conditions requiring specialist care (2), solid organ transplantation (1), and cancer (1).Telemedicine provided remote monitoring (55 studies), or real-time video-conferencing (38 studies), which was used either alone or in combination. The main TM function varied depending on clinical condition, but fell typically into one of the following six categories, with some overlap: i) monitoring of a chronic condition to detect early signs of deterioration and prompt treatment and advice, (41); ii) provision of treatment or rehabilitation (12), for example the delivery of cognitive behavioural therapy, or incontinence training; iii) education and advice for self-management (23), for example nurses delivering education to patients with diabetes or providing support to parents of very low birth weight infants or to patients with home parenteral nutrition; iv) specialist consultations for diagnosis and treatment decisions (8), v) real-time assessment of clinical status, for example post-operative assessment after minor operation or follow-up after solid organ transplantation (8) vi), screening, for angina (1).The type of data transmitted by the patient, the frequency of data transfer, (e.g. telephone, e-mail, SMS) and frequency of interactions between patient and healthcare provider varied across studies, as did the type of healthcare provider/s and healthcare system involved in delivering the intervention.We found no difference between groups for all-cause mortality for patients with heart failure (16 studies; N = 5239; RR:0.89, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.03, P = 0.12; I(2) = 44%) (moderate to high certainty of evidence) at a median of six months follow-up. Admissions to hospital (11 studies; N = 4529) ranged from a decrease of 64% to an increase of 60% at median eight months follow-up (moderate certainty of evidence). We found some evidence of improved quality of life (five studies; N = 482; MD:-4.39, 95% CI -7.94 to -0.83; P < 0.02; I(2) = 0%) (moderate certainty of evidence) for those allocated to TM as compared with usual care at a median three months follow-up. In studies recruiting participants with diabetes (16 studies; N = 2768) we found lower glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c %) levels in those allocated to TM than in controls (MD -0.31, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.24; P < 0.00001; I(2)= 42%, P = 0.04) (high certainty of evidence) at a median of nine months follow-up. We found some evidence for a decrease in LDL (four studies, N = 1692; MD -12.45, 95% CI -14.23 to -10.68; P < 0.00001; I(2 =) 0%) (moderate certainty of evidence), and blood pressure (four studies, N = 1770: MD: SBP:-4.33, 95% CI -5.30 to -3.35, P < 0.00001; I(2) = 17%; DBP: -2.75 95% CI -3.28 to -2.22, P < 0.00001; I(2) = 45% (moderate certainty evidence), in TM as compared with usual care.Seven studies that recruited participants with different mental health and substance abuse problems, reported no differences in the effect of therapy delivered over video-conferencing, as compared to face-to-face delivery. Findings from the other studies were inconsistent; there was some evidence that monitoring via TM improved blood pressure control in participants with hypertension, and a few studies reported improved symptom scores for those with a respiratory condition. Studies recruiting participants requiring mental health services and those requiring specialist consultation for a dermatological condition reported no differences between groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The findings in our review indicate that the use of TM in the management of heart failure appears to lead to similar health outcomes as face-to-face or telephone delivery of care; there is evidence that TM can improve the control of blood glucose in those with diabetes. The cost to a health service, and acceptability by patients and healthcare professionals, is not clear due to limited data reported for these outcomes. The effectiveness of TM may depend on a number of different factors, including those related to the study population e.g. the severity of the condition and the disease trajectory of the participants, the function of the intervention e.g., if it is used for monitoring a chronic condition, or to provide access to diagnostic services, as well as the healthcare provider and healthcare system involved in delivering the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Flodgren
- Norwegian Institute of Public HealthThe Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health ServicesPilestredet Park 7OsloNorway0176
| | - Antoine Rachas
- European Hospital Georges Pompidou and Paris Descartes UniversityDepartment of IT and Public Health20‐40 Rue leBlancParisFrance75908
| | - Andrew J Farmer
- University of OxfordNuffield Department of Primary Care Health SciencesRadcliffe Observatory Quarter, Walton StreetOxfordUKOX2 6GG
| | - Marco Inzitari
- Parc Sanitari Pere Virgili and Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaDepartment of Healthcare/Medicinec Esteve Terrades 30BarcelonaSpain08023
| | - Sasha Shepperd
- University of OxfordNuffield Department of Population HealthRosemary Rue Building, Old Road CampusHeadingtonOxfordOxfordshireUKOX3 7LF
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Home telehealth uptake and continued use among heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a systematic review. Ann Behav Med 2015; 48:323-36. [PMID: 24763972 PMCID: PMC4223578 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-014-9607-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Home telehealth has the potential to benefit heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, however large-scale deployment is yet to be achieved. Purpose The aim of this review was to assess levels of uptake of home telehealth by patients with HF and COPD and the factors that determine whether patients do or do not accept and continue to use telehealth. Methods This research performs a narrative synthesis of the results from included studies. Results Thirty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies that reported rates of refusal and/or withdrawal found that almost one third of patients who were offered telehealth refused and one fifth of participants who did accept later abandoned telehealth. Seven barriers to, and nine facilitators of, home telehealth use were identified. Conclusions Research reports need to provide more details regarding telehealth refusal and abandonment, in order to understand the reasons why patients decide not to use telehealth. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12160-014-9607-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Palmisano P, Ammendola E, D'Onofrio A, Accogli M, Calò L, Ruocco A, Rapacciuolo A, Del Giorno G, Bianchi V, Malacrida M, Valsecchi S, Gronda E. Evaluation of synergistic effects of resynchronization therapy and a β-blocker up-titration strategy based on a predefined patient-management program: the RESTORE study. Clin Cardiol 2015; 38:2-7. [PMID: 25580847 DOI: 10.1002/clc.22352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior studies have suggested that a substantial number of eligible heart failure (HF) patients fail to receive β-blocker therapy, or receive it at a suboptimal dose. The aim of this study is to assess the benefit of a predefined management program designed for β-blocker up-titration, evaluating the synergistic effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and β-blockers in a HF population. The Resynchronization Therapy and β-Blocker Titration (RESTORE) study is a prospective, case-control, multicenter cohort study designed to test the hypothesis that a β-blocker up-titration strategy based on a predefined management program maximizes the beneficial effect of CRT, increasing the number of patients reaching the target dose of β-blockers and improving their clinical outcome. All study patients receive an implantable defibrillator for CRT delivery in accordance with current guidelines. Enrollments started in December 2011 and are scheduled to end in December 2014. Approximately 250 consecutive patients will be prospectively enrolled in 6 Italian centers and followed up for 24 months after implantation. The primary endpoint is to demonstrate that CRT may allow titration of β-blockers until the optimal dose, or at least to the effective dose, in patients with HF. This study might provide important information about the benefit of a predefined management program for β-blocker up-titration in patients receiving CRT. Moreover, assessment of health-care utilization and the consumption of resources will allow estimating the potential utility of remote monitoring by means of an automated telemedicine system in facilitating the titration of β-blockers in comparison with a standard in-hospital approach.
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Iskander J, Broder K. Monitoring the safety of annual and pandemic influenza vaccines: lessons from the US experience. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 7:75-82. [DOI: 10.1586/14760584.7.1.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Chen YH, Lin YH, Hung CS, Huang CC, Yeih DF, Chuang PY, Ho YL, Chen MF. Clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness of a synchronous telehealth service for seniors and nonseniors with cardiovascular diseases: quasi-experimental study. J Med Internet Res 2013; 15:e87. [PMID: 23615318 PMCID: PMC3636317 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.2091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Revised: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth based on advanced information technology is an emerging health care strategy for managing chronic diseases. However, the cost-effectiveness and clinical effect of synchronous telehealth services in older patients with cardiovascular diseases has not yet been studied. Since 2009, the Telehealth Center at the National Taiwan University Hospital has provided a range of telehealth services (led by a cardiologist and staffed by cardiovascular nursing specialists) for cardiovascular disease patients including (1) instant transmission of blood pressure, pulse rate, electrocardiography, oximetry, and glucometry for analysis, (2) mutual telephone communication and health promotion, and (3) continuous analytical and decision-making support. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of a synchronous telehealth service on older patients with cardiovascular diseases. METHODS Between November 2009 and April 2010, patients with cardiovascular disease who received telehealth services at the National Taiwan University Hospital were recruited. We collected data on hospital visits and health expenditures for the 6-month period before and the 6-month period after the opening of the Telehealth Center to assess the clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of telehealth services on cardiovascular patients. RESULTS A total of 141 consecutive cardiovascular disease patients were recruited, including 93 aged ≥65 years (senior group) and 48 aged <65 years (nonsenior group). The telehealth intervention significantly reduced the all-cause admission rate per month per person in the nonsenior group (pretelehealth: median 0.09, IQR 0-0.14; posttelehealth: median 0, IQR 0-0; P=.002) and the duration (days per month per person) of all-cause hospital stay (pretelehealth: median 0.70, IQR 0-1.96; posttelehealth: median 0, IQR 0-0; P<.001) with increased all-cause outpatient visits per month per person (pretelehealth: median 0.77, IQR 0.20-1.64; posttelehealth: mean 1.60, IQR 1.06-2.57; P=.002). In the senior group, the telehealth intervention also significantly reduced the all-cause admission rate per month per person (pretelehealth: median 0.10, IQR 0-0.18; posttelehealth: median 0, IQR 0-0; P<.001) and the duration (days per month per person) of all-cause hospital stay (pretelehealth: median 0.59, IQR 0-2.24; posttelehealth: median 0, IQR 0-0; P<.001) with increased all-cause outpatient visits per month per person (pretelehealth: median 1.40, IQR 0.52-2.63; posttelehealth: median 1.76, IQR 1.12-2.75; P=.02). In addition, telehealth intervention reduced the inpatient cost in the nonsenior group from $814.93 (SD 1000.40) to US $217.39 (SD 771.01, P=.001) and the total cost per month from US $954.78 (SD 998.70) to US $485.06 (SD 952.47, P<.001). In the senior group, the inpatient cost per month was reduced from US $768.27 (SD 1148.20) to US $301.14 (SD 926.92, P<.001) and the total cost per month from US $928.20 (SD 1194.11) to US $494.87 (SD 1047.08, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Synchronous telehealth intervention may reduce costs, decrease all-cause admission rates, and decrease durations of all-cause hospital stays in cardiovascular disease patients, regardless of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hsien Chen
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Departments of Internal Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Antonicelli R, Mazzanti I, Abbatecola AM, Parati G. Impact of Home Patient Telemonitoring on Use of β-Blockers in Congestive Heart Failure. Drugs Aging 2010; 27:801-5. [DOI: 10.2165/11538210-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Whitten P, Bergman A, Meese MA, Bridwell K, Jule K. St. Vincent's Home telehealth for congestive heart failure patients. Telemed J E Health 2010; 15:148-53. [PMID: 19292623 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2008.0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
St. Vincent's Homecare implemented a remote monitoring project in which researchers studied whether the telehome health patients exhibit enhanced clinical outcomes and patient perceptions of telehome healthcare. Fifty congestive heart failure patients (n = 50) participated in this program. Data collection included pre and post Outcome and Assessment Information Set items, 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, and data from patient charts were used to capture demographic information. In addition, interviews were conducted in order to assess overall perceptions and attitudes. Results indicate significant changes occurring among respondents in three important aspects that impact their quality of life, namely, physical, behavioral, and emotional improvements. Specifically, statistical significance was documented at the 0.05 level regarding improvement for home telehealth patients in shortness of breath, management of oral medications, ability to engage in moderate activities, amount of energy, swelling in legs/ankles, need to sit/lie down during day, fatigue, need for hospitalization, side effects from treatment, and worry. Additionally, patients found the service easy to use and perceived the care they received via telehealth to be as good as regular in-person care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Whitten
- College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.
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Leykum LK, Parchman M, Pugh J, Lawrence V, Noël PH, McDaniel RR. The importance of organizational characteristics for improving outcomes in patients with chronic disease: a systematic review of congestive heart failure. Implement Sci 2010; 5:66. [PMID: 20735859 PMCID: PMC2936445 DOI: 10.1186/1748-5908-5-66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2010] [Accepted: 08/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite applications of models of care and organizational or system-level interventions to improve patient outcomes for chronic disease, consistent improvements have not been achieved. This may reflect a mismatch between the interventions and the nature of the settings in which they are attempted. The application of complex adaptive systems (CAS) framework to understand clinical systems and inform efforts to improve them may lead to more successful interventions. We performed a systematic review of interventions to improve outcomes of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) to examine whether interventions consistent with CAS are more likely to be effective. We then examine differences between interventions that are most effective for improving outcomes for patients with CHF versus previously published data for type 2 diabetes to explore the potential impact of the nature of the disease on the types of interventions that are more likely to be effective. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature between 1998 and 2008 of organizational interventions to improve care of patients with CHF. Two independent reviewers independently assessed studies that met inclusion criteria to determine whether each reported intervention reflected one or more CAS characteristics. The effectiveness of interventions was rated as either 0 (no effect), 0.5 (mixed effect), or 1.0 (effective) based on the type, number, and significance of reported outcomes. Fisher's exact test was used to examine the association between CAS characteristics and intervention effectiveness. Specific CAS characteristics associated with intervention effectiveness for CHF were contrasted with previously published data for type 2 diabetes. Results and discussion Forty-four studies describing 46 interventions met eligibility criteria. All interventions utilized at least one CAS characteristic, and 85% were either 'mixed effect' or 'effective' in terms of outcomes. The number of CAS characteristics present in each intervention was associated with effectiveness (p < 0.001), supporting the idea that interventions consistent with CAS are more likely to be effective. The individual CAS characteristics associated with CHF intervention effectiveness were learning, self-organization, and co-evolution, a finding different from our previously published analysis of interventions for diabetes. We suggest this difference may be related to the degree of uncertainty involved in caring for patients with diabetes versus CHF. Conclusion These results suggest that for interventions to be effective, they must be consistent with the CAS nature of clinical systems. The difference in specific CAS characteristics associated with intervention effectiveness for CHF and diabetes suggests that interventions must also take into account attributes of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luci K Leykum
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System and Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio TX, 78229, USA.
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Inglis SC, Clark RA, McAlister FA, Ball J, Lewinter C, Cullington D, Stewart S, Cleland JG. Structured telephone support or telemonitoring programmes for patients with chronic heart failure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010:CD007228. [PMID: 20687083 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007228.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 291] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialised disease management programmes for chronic heart failure (CHF) improve survival, quality of life and reduce healthcare utilisation. The overall efficacy of structured telephone support or telemonitoring as an individual component of a CHF disease management strategy remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVES To review randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of structured telephone support or telemonitoring compared to standard practice for patients with CHF in order to quantify the effects of these interventions over and above usual care for these patients. SEARCH STRATEGY Databases (the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) and Health Technology Assessment Database (HTA) on The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and Science Citation Index Expanded and Conference Citation Index on ISI Web of Knowledge) and various search engines were searched from 2006 to November 2008 to update a previously published non-Cochrane review. Bibliographies of relevant studies and systematic reviews and abstract conference proceedings were handsearched. No language limits were applied. SELECTION CRITERIA Only peer reviewed, published RCTs comparing structured telephone support or telemonitoring to usual care of CHF patients were included. Unpublished abstract data was included in sensitivity analyses. The intervention or usual care could not include a home visit or more than the usual (four to six weeks) clinic follow-up. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were presented as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Primary outcomes included all-cause mortality, all-cause and CHF-related hospitalisations which were meta-analysed using fixed effects models. Other outcomes included length of stay, quality of life, acceptability and cost and these were described and tabulated. MAIN RESULTS Twenty-five studies and five published abstracts were included. Of the 25 full peer-reviewed studies meta-analysed, 16 evaluated structured telephone support (5613 participants), 11 evaluated telemonitoring (2710 participants), and two tested both interventions (included in counts). Telemonitoring reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.81, P < 0.0001) with structured telephone support demonstrating a non-significant positive effect (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.01, P = 0.08). Both structured telephone support (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.87, P < 0.0001) and telemonitoring (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.94, P = 0.008) reduced CHF-related hospitalisations. For both interventions, several studies improved quality of life, reduced healthcare costs and were acceptable to patients. Improvements in prescribing, patient knowledge and self-care, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class were observed. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Structured telephone support and telemonitoring are effective in reducing the risk of all-cause mortality and CHF-related hospitalisations in patients with CHF; they improve quality of life, reduce costs, and evidence-based prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally C Inglis
- Preventative Health, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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Use of remote monitoring to improve outcomes in patients with heart failure: a pilot trial. Int J Telemed Appl 2010; 2010:870959. [PMID: 20508741 PMCID: PMC2874922 DOI: 10.1155/2010/870959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Remote monitoring (RM) of homebound heart failure (HF) patients has previously been shown to reduce hospital admissions. We conducted a pilot trial of ambulatory, non-homebound patients recently hospitalized for HF to determine whether RM could be successfully implemented in the ambulatory setting. Eligible patients from Massachusetts General Hospital (n = 150) were randomized to a control group (n = 68) or to a group that was offered RM (n = 82). The participants transmitted vital signs data to a nurse who coordinated care with the physician over the course of the 6-month study. Participants in the RM program had a lower all-cause per person readmission rate (mean = 0.64, SD ± 0.87) compared to the usual care group (mean = 0.73, SD ± 1.51; P-value = .75) although the difference was not statistically significant. HF-related readmission rate was similarly reduced in participants. This pilot study demonstrates that RM can be successfully implemented in non-homebound HF patients and may reduce readmission rates.
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Durbin AP, Setse R, Omer SB, Palmer JG, Spaeder JA, Baker J, Lessans F, Halsey NA. Monitoring adverse events following yellow fever vaccination using an integrated telephone and Internet-based system. Vaccine 2009; 27:6143-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2009] [Revised: 07/30/2009] [Accepted: 08/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Maric B, Kaan A, Ignaszewski A, Lear SA. A systematic review of telemonitoring technologies in heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail 2009; 11:506-17. [PMID: 19332417 DOI: 10.1093/eurjhf/hfp036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Heart failure (HF) results in characteristic signs and symptoms including oedema and breathing difficulties. Heart failure is particularly suited to telemonitoring, because patients' signs and symptoms can be assessed remotely by healthcare providers, and deterioration can be quickly detected and addressed. In this paper, we review studies conducted in HF telemonitoring, to describe the nature of the modality, the methods, and the results. METHODS AND RESULTS Articles were obtained through a MedLine search, utilizing the term heart failure in conjunction with the terms telehealth, telecare, telemonitoring, web, Internet, remote monitoring, and self-monitoring. Studies utilizing various modalities, including telephone touch pad, specialized hardware, and websites for participants to enter data were found, with various benefits being reported. Most studies demonstrated improvements in outcome measures, including improved quality of life and decreased hospitalizations. However, not all studies reported the same improvements and in several cases the sample sizes were relatively small. CONCLUSION Telemonitoring appears to be an acceptable method for monitoring of HF patients. Controlled, randomized studies directly comparing different modalities and evaluating their success and feasibility when used as part of routine clinical care, are now required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Maric
- School of Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
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Alverson DC, Holtz B, D'Iorio J, DeVany M, Simmons S, Poropatich RK. One size doesn't fit all: bringing telehealth services to special populations. Telemed J E Health 2009; 14:957-63. [PMID: 19035807 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2008.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Telehealth applications and information communication technologies can be customized and scaled to meet the healthcare service needs of a wide variety of special populations. Categorization of those special groups can be viewed from a spectrum of perspectives such as by gender, age, culture, families, communities, chronic conditions, or particular types of locations, as well as when addressing a specific or unique health need. The emergence of innovations in the use of a range of technologies and connectivity offers exciting new approaches to the integration of telehealth aimed at improving quality and continuity of care to better meet the needs of special populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale C Alverson
- Center for Telehealth and Cybermedicine Research, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA.
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Clark RA, Yallop JJ, Piterman L, Croucher J, Tonkin A, Stewart S, Krum H. Adherence, adaptation and acceptance of elderly chronic heart failure patients to receiving healthcare via telephone-monitoring. Eur J Heart Fail 2007; 9:1104-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejheart.2007.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2007] [Revised: 05/27/2007] [Accepted: 07/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robyn A. Clark
- National Heart Foundation South Australian Branch; Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences; University of South Australia; Australia
| | - Julie J. Yallop
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences; Monash University; Prahran Victoria Australia
- Department of General Practice & Primary Health Care; The University of Auckland; New Zealand
| | - Leon Piterman
- School of Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences; Monash University; East Bentleigh Vic Australia
| | - Joanne Croucher
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences; Monash University; Prahran Victoria Australia
| | - Andrew Tonkin
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences; Monash University; Prahran Victoria Australia
| | - Simon Stewart
- Department of Preventative Cardiology; Baker Heart Research Institute; Prahran Victoria Australia
| | - Henry Krum
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences; Monash University; Prahran Victoria Australia
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Tsai S, Klapholz M. Tips and tricks on outpatient initiation and uptitration of beta-blockade in heart failure. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2007; 4:110-6. [PMID: 17521504 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-007-0009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
beta-blockade has a therapeutic role across the continuum of patients with heart failure (HF), with a demonstrated mortality benefit in stage II and III HF. Concerns regarding initiation and uptitration linger as patients with resting bradycardia, pulmonary, or vascular disease are often unnecessarily excluded from receiving therapy. We will review the risk data on beta-blockade and offer therapeutic strategies to help overcome residual barriers to the initiation and uptitration of this important therapy in patients with HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Tsai
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey--New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB I-536, Newark, NJ, 07103 USA
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Clark RA, Inglis SC, McAlister FA, Cleland JGF, Stewart S. Telemonitoring or structured telephone support programmes for patients with chronic heart failure: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2007; 334:942. [PMID: 17426062 PMCID: PMC1865411 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.39156.536968.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 461] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether remote monitoring (structured telephone support or telemonitoring) without regular clinic or home visits improves outcomes for patients with chronic heart failure. DATA SOURCES 15 electronic databases, hand searches of previous studies, and contact with authors and experts. DATA EXTRACTION Two investigators independently screened the results. REVIEW METHODS Published randomised controlled trials comparing remote monitoring programmes with usual care in patients with chronic heart failure managed within the community. RESULTS 14 randomised controlled trials (4264 patients) of remote monitoring met the inclusion criteria: four evaluated telemonitoring, nine evaluated structured telephone support, and one evaluated both. Remote monitoring programmes reduced the rates of admission to hospital for chronic heart failure by 21% (95% confidence interval 11% to 31%) and all cause mortality by 20% (8% to 31%); of the six trials evaluating health related quality of life three reported significant benefits with remote monitoring, and of the four studies examining healthcare costs with structured telephone support three reported reduced cost and one no effect. CONCLUSION Programmes for chronic heart failure that include remote monitoring have a positive effect on clinical outcomes in community dwelling patients with chronic heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn A Clark
- Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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