Feasibility of a Mobile-Based Home Monitoring System for Patients With Heart Failure: Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Cardiovascular disease management
• Patient-reported outcomes

Background:

• High rehospitalization rates in heart failure (HF) necessitate improved patient management.
• Home-based self-monitoring using technology is a promising strategy for HF care.
• Improving quality of life is a key goal alongside reducing hospital readmissions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a digital home monitoring intervention for Indonesian heart failure patients.
• To evaluate the preliminary impact of this intervention on patient-reported outcomes.
• To examine the effect on 30-day hospital readmission rates.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods pilot study combining qualitative system development and quantitative evaluation.
• Patients were randomized into a digital monitoring intervention group or a standard care control group.
• Readmission rates were compared using chi-square tests; patient outcomes were assessed using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ).

Main Results:

• The intervention group (n=30) had a 20% readmission rate versus 43.3% in the control group (n=30).
• Significant improvements in KCCQ overall summary scores were observed in the intervention group (P=.02).
• Positive trends were noted across KCCQ domains including physical limitation, symptom burden, and quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Digital home monitoring appears feasible for heart failure patients in Indonesia.
• The intervention shows potential for improving patient-reported outcomes and may reduce readmissions.
• Larger-scale studies are warranted to definitively establish the effectiveness of digital home monitoring in HF management.