In most healthcare systems, the outcomes of care for patients with heart failure (HF) need improvement. By applying telemonitoring, a study by Ramaekers and colleagues aimed to assess its short-term impact on patients' disease-specific knowledge, adherence, and depression. As part of a larger trial (N = 1,023, 17 centers), the study reported preliminary findings among 101 patients from three Dutch hospitals. Patients were randomized to receive care using telemonitoring or standard care. Data concerning patients' disease-specific knowledge, adherence to pharmacological and nonpharmacological recommendations, and depression were collected by postal questionnaires. Data collected before randomization and three months afterwards were analyzed. Disease-specific knowledge improved significantly in two of the three hospitals (p < 0.001 and p = 0.040), respectively. Adherence in terms of fluid restrictions (p = 0.012), daily weighing (p < 0.001), physical exercising (p = 0.034), and alcohol restrictions (p = 0.040) improved significantly in the telemonitoring group. In contrast with the hypothesized increase of depression, the use of telemonitoring resulted in a substantial but not statistically significant decrease in depression.

POSSIBLE VALUE OF STUDY TO HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS: The improved adherence rates within the three-month study period underscore the potential of telemonitoring to enhance self-management among HF patients and, consequently its potential impact on other outcomes. Longer-term results will enable solid conclusions to be reached concerning the relation between telemonitoring and patients' adherence.

POSSIBLE VALUE OF STUDY TO PATIENTS: More and more studies are reporting on the benefits of telemonitoring in improving self-management. No matter the chronic condition you experience, you may be asked to become more involved in self-management by using currently available telemedicine technology. The outcome should be better health for you.

BL Ramaekers et al. Adherence Among Telemonitored Patients with Heart Failure to Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Recommendations. Telemedicine Journal & E-Health, June 30, 2009.