[Telemonitoring in heart failure : Update on health-related and economic implications]

Abstract

Background: Heart failure is one of the most common and cost-intensive chronic diseases worldwide. Telemonitoring offers the potential to improve care of heart failure treatment and reduce cost. Empirical findings of its efficacy are inconsistent up to now. This systematic review examines the current state of research regarding health-related and economic endpoints.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in July 2016 using the PubMed database and randomised controlled trials for the years 2011-2016. Only clinical research trials with heart failure patients were considered where the intervention was performed using external monitoring devices which transmitted data via information and communication technology. In all, 10 clinical trials were included.

Results: There is no definite evidence regarding improvement in care based solely on the most recent literature. Hospitalisation for heart failure and health-related quality of life were most positively influenced. There was no correlation between mortality and hospitalisations for all causes regarding telemonitoring. The overall costs tended to be higher for telemonitoring.

Conclusion: Further research is needed to examine the health-related and economic benefits of telemonitoring for heart failure. A particular challenge is the evidence of cause-effect relationships within complex technology-supported health-care settings. The latest studies support the previous state of research.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Costs and cost analysis; Heart failure; Telemedicine; Telemonitoring.