JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The use of telehealth technology to improve functional recovery following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has not previously been investigated

Objective:

This study examined the feasibility of exercise-based cardiac telerehabilitation after TAVI.

Methods:

Single-center, prospective, non-randomized study using a mixed methods approach. Data collection included testing, researchers’ observations, logbooks, and individual patient interviews, which were analyzed using a content analysis approach. The intervention lasted for three weeks and consisted of home-based online exercise training, an activity tracker, a TAVI-information website, and one online session with a nurse

Results:

Thirteen patients were included; median age of 83 (range 74-87) years. Five patients (three males and two females) completed the study and were interviewed. Easy access to supervised exercise training at home with real-time feedback and use of the activity tracker to count daily steps were emphasized by the patients who completed the intervention. Reasons for patients not completing the program included poor data coverage, participants´ limited IT skills, and lack of functionality in the systems used. No adverse events occurred.

Conclusions:

Exercise-based telerehabilitation for older people after TAVI does not seem feasible in its present form, as 70% of the included patients did not complete the study. Those completing the intervention highly appreciated the real-time feedback during the online training sessions. Aspects that support retainment rates and enhance patients´ IT skills should be addressed in future studies.