Managing chronic heart failure: The evidence for telemonitoring

Abstract

Chronic heart failure is a significant public health concern. The prognosis for many patients is often poor, with many experiencing frequent hospital readmissions and an impaired quality of life. Innovative and effective nurse-led management strategies have successfully improved the overall management of patients with heart failure, with the emergence of telemonitoring enabling the early detection of clinical deterioration. Telemonitoring promotes patient participation and self assessment, key elements in the successful treatment of heart failure patients. This paper has reviewed three articles, all randomized controlled trials, exploring the concept of telemonitoring in heart failure. All of the studies provide encouraging results that are both statistically and clinically meaningful. In addition to traditional models of care, telemonitoring as a treatment option may, indeed, play an important role in the delivery of effective patient care.