A prospective evaluation of telemonitoring use by seniors with chronic heart failure: Adoption, self-care, and empowerment

Abstract

Telemonitoring leverages technology for the follow-up of patients with heart failure. Limited evidence exists on how telemonitoring influences senior patients' attitudes and self-care practices. This study examines telemonitoring impacts on patient empowerment and self-care, and explores adoption factors among senior patients. A longitudinal study design was used, involving three surveys of elderly with chronic heart failure (n = 23) 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after beginning telemonitoring use. Self-care, patient empowerment, and adoption factors were assessed using existing scales. The patients involved in this study perceived value of using telemonitoring, did not expect it to be difficult to use, and did not encounter adoption barriers. There was a significant improvement in patients' confidence in their ability to evaluate their symptoms, address them, and evaluate the effectiveness of the measures taken to address these symptoms. Yet, patients performed less self-care maintenance activities, and the capability of involvement in the decision-making related to their condition decreased. Telemonitoring can improve seniors' confidence in evaluating and addressing their symptoms in relation to heart failure. This patient management approach should be coupled with targeted education geared toward self-maintenance and self-management practices.

Keywords: adoption; elderly; heart failure; patient empowerment; self-care; seniors; telemonitoring.