In many 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 the short-term impact on patients' disease-specific knowledge, adherence, and depression. As part of a larger trial (N = 1,023, 17 centers), the study reports 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. Adherence in terms of fluid restrictions, daily weighing, physical exercise, and alcohol restrictions 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.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: The improved adherence rates within the three-month study period underscored the potential of telemonitoring to enhance self-management among HF patients and consequently its potential impact on other outcomes.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT: The study showed the value of telemonitoring in improving adherence in patients with heart failure. Longer-term results will enable solid conclusions to be reached concerning the relation between telemonitoring and patients' adherence.

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