JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Heart failure is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases that causes mortality, and patients’ participation in rehabilitation programs is often low. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Future Patient Telerehabilitation Program developed for heart failure patients offered a new approach. The aim of the Future Patient program has been to increase the quality of life and educate patients to monitor any worsening of their symptoms. Patients used self-tracking devices for monitoring their physical activity, blood pressure, sleep, respiration and pulse, with their transmitted to a shared web platform (called the Heart Portal) that could be accessed by patients, their relatives and health care professionals across sectors. 

Objective:

To determine whether the Future Patient Telerehabilitation Program has increased quality of life of heart failure patients and to empower patients to manage own disease. 

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial (n=140) has been conducted. Data from the intervention group (n=70) on patient reported outcomes was collected and analyzed using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire & Spiegel Sleep Questionnaire. Semi-structured interviews with twelve patients (six men, six women) have been conducted and analyzed.   

Results:

Patients participating in the Future Patient program experienced a significant increase in clinical and social well-being as well as in quality of life. The patients participating in the program articulated their experiences in terms of the following themes: a sense of security, an increased sense of empowerment in managing their disease using the Heart portal. The Heart Portal proved to be a valuable tool for remote monitoring and better communication with healthcare professionals across sectors. 

Conclusions:

Telerehabilitation of heart failure patients can improve their quality of life and empower patients to manage own disease remotely.