Six-Month Home-Based Telemedicine Program for Heart Failure and Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Applicability, Usability of...

Background: Telemedicine can improve early symptom detection using medical devices and applications. It can also help identify barriers to patient adherence and enhance communication with healthcare professionals. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability, usability, and patient satisfaction with telemonitoring devices and apps for individuals with heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Methods: In a randomized study, patients in the Intervention Group received six months of nursing teleassistance and telemonitoring using a wearable electrocardiograph, a step tracker, and an App for recording clinical information and conducting video calls. Usability was measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and satisfaction with a six-item questionnaire. Results: A total of 43 patients (71 ± 8 years) were enrolled in the intervention group. A total of 41 (95%) of patients utilized the App daily, entering 13,048 information, 53 ± 59 per patient. The nurses performed 896 video-calls, 22 ± 21 per patient. The mean number of walking sessions recorded was 6.1 ± 0.9 per week (159 ± 24 per patient). Thirty-five patients (81%) used a 3-lead ECG and recorded 942 traces, 27 ± 14 per patient. At the end, 40 SUS were collected from patients: 15 (38%, 71 ± 7 years) considered the system excellent or good, 20 (50%, 71 ± 8 years) thought it fair, and 5 (13%, 74 ± 7 years) considered the system offered poor. The overall assessment of patient satisfaction with the service was 22 ± 3.3. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that, although technology can be complex for older adults, it is broadly accepted by most patients, especially when the benefits are understood. The support offered by nurses is essential for significantly enhancing the overall patient experience.