[The first data of the TeleCuore project]

Telemedicine is an innovative and impactful resource in the management of heart failure. At the Cardiology Department of the Piacenza Hospital, a pilot telemedicine project called "TeleCuore" has been launched, aimed at patients with heart failure. This article describes the organizational model adopted and the initial results of TeleCuore regarding its clinical impact and patient satisfaction.

The project involved patients with de novo heart failure or those in outpatient follow-up with recent episodes of clinical instability and adequate digital skills. A multidisciplinary team, coordinated by a case manager nurse, managed patient monitoring and education. Using the AdiLife platform and multiparametric devices, vital and clinical parameters were monitored over time, with alert analysis by nurses and technicians in cardiocirculatory pathophysiology and cardiovascular perfusion, with continuous support from the cardiology medical staff. In addition to being monitored to detect potential instabilities early and optimize therapies, patients were subjected to questionnaires to measure the project's impact on satisfaction, disease awareness, and difficulties in using the equipment.

Overall, 257 patients completed at least 6 months of follow-up. Of these, 32 (12.5%) showed signs of heart failure. In 18 cases (56.2%), TeleCuore allowed for the early detection of instability, enabling outpatient management. A total of 14 patients (43.8%) were sent to the emergency department, 10 of whom were referred following parametric anomalies associated with symptoms identified during telephone interviews. Only 5 patients (15.6%) required hospitalization. During the follow-up, an increase in the use of guideline-recommended therapies was observed. The questionnaires highlighted a positive impact of TeleCuore on monitoring, therapy management, and the doctor-patient relationship.

TeleCuore has demonstrated the feasibility, appreciation, and effectiveness of managing heart failure through telemedicine, with benefits in reducing hospitalizations, optimizing therapies, and increasing disease awareness.