Usability of a digital health platform to support home hospitalization in heart failure patients: a multicentre feasibility study among healthcare professionals

Abstract

Aims Heart failure (HF) is a common cause of mortality and (re)hospitalisations. The NWE-Chance project explored the feasibility of providing hospitalisations at home (HH) supported by a newly developed digital health platform. The aim of this study was to explore the perceived usability by healthcare professionals (HCPs) of a digital platform in addition to HH for HF patients. Methods and results A prospective, international, multicentre, single-arm interventional study was conducted. Sixty-three patients and 22 HCPs participated. HH consisted of daily home visits by the nurse and use of the platform, consisting of a portable blood pressure device, weight scale, pulse oximeter, a wearable chest patch to measure vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, activity level and posture), and an eCoach for the patient. Primary outcome was usability of the platform measured by the System Usability Scale (SUS) halfway and at the end of the study. Overall usability was rated as sufficient (Mean score 72.1±8.9) and did not differ between the measurements moments (p=.690). HCPs reported positive experiences (n=7), negative experiences (n=13) and recommendations (n=6) for the future. Actual use of the platform was 79% of the HH days. Conclusion A digital health platform to support HH was considered usable by HCPs, although actual use of the platform was limited. Therefore, several improvements in the integration of the digital platform into clinical workflows and in defining the precise role of the digital platform and its use are needed to add value before full implementation. Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04084964

Tele-DM: development of a mobile health technology for non-invasive type-2 diabetes mellitus patients with assistive physical activities and vital signs monitoring

“…Through the monitoring of heart rate, HCPs can determine the suitable intensity level for the patient's PA and ensure that they are attaining the most advantageous level of exertion for their specific requirements [5]. Furthermore, heart rate monitoring assists HCPs in monitoring patients with myocardial infarction [6]. Built-in sensors on smartwatches allow them to monitor physiological signs such as heart rate and blood pressure [7,8].…”