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

The risk of rehospitalization in patients with heart failure (HF) has initiated various efforts to prevent and simultaneously improve quality of life. Self-monitoring at home is one option, and technology is increasingly being used for this purpose.

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a digital home monitoring intervention on patient-reported outcomes and 30-day readmissions among patients with HF in Indonesia.

A mixed methods pilot study was conducted, combining qualitative system development and quantitative evaluation. Patients were assigned to an intervention group (digital monitoring) or control group (standard care). Readmission rates were compared using chi-square tests and odds ratios. Changes in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models.

A total of 60 patients were included (n=30, 50% in the intervention group; n=30, 50% in the control group). Readmission occurred in 20% (6/30) of patients in the intervention group and 43.3% (13/30) of patients in the control group (odds ratio 0.33, 95% CI 0.10-1.09; P=.10). Linear mixed-effects analysis showed greater improvement in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall summary score in the intervention group (P=.02). Improvements were observed in the physical limitation, symptom frequency, symptom burden, quality of life, and social limitation domains. During follow-up, 3.3% (1/30) of the patients in the intervention group died of non-HF-related causes, and 10% (3/30) of the patients in the control group died due to HF.

This pilot study suggests that digital home monitoring is feasible and associated with improvements in patient-reported outcomes, with a potential signal toward reduced readmission. Larger studies are needed to confirm effectiveness.