Key result
Healthcare providers and patients with heart failure reached consensus that remote consultations and home monitoring devices were useful during the COVID-19 pandemic and should be continued.
Why the study?
Little was known regarding experiences, knowledge developed during service transformation, and future preferences of clinicians and patients with HF during the pandemic transition to remote healthcare.
Cross-Sectional (n=43)
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Stakeholders agree that while remote healthcare for heart failure offers accessibility benefits and should be sustained, it must be balanced with equitable access and the availability of in-person assessments.
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote healthcare for the management of long-term conditions, including heart failure (HF). However, little is known about the experiences of this transition, knowledge developed during service transformation, and/or the preferences of clinicians and patients with HF going forward. AIM: This study aimed to determine the perspectives and consensus of healthcare providers, patients, and carers in the UK regarding the transition to remote healthcare for HF during the pandemic. DESIGN & SETTING: A survey was conducted among individuals with HF and healthcare providers. METHOD: An evaluation of stakeholders' views and a consensus-development exercise regarding the use of telehealth and home monitoring devices were conducted using a modified Delphi process on an online platform. This study primarily included patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). RESULTS: Findings revealed a significant reliance on telehealth, which reportedly enhanced accessibility for patients. Integration of home monitoring devices and systems was deemed crucial for continuity of care. Although there was some consensus concerning the usefulness of remote consultations and communication, findings also highlighted their limitations and disparities in digital access and literacy. CONCLUSION: Remote healthcare presents opportunities and risks, emphasising the need for equitable access to telehealth technologies and thoughtful integration into healthcare systems. Balancing remote and in-person care, along with targeted training for healthcare providers, is essential for effective management and support of people with long-term conditions.
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Rothenberger et al. (2025) conducted a cross-sectional in Heart failure (n=43). Remote healthcare and telehealth was evaluated on Consensus on the usefulness and continuation of remote consultations and home monitoring devices. Healthcare providers and patients with heart failure reached consensus that remote consultations and home monitoring devices were useful during the COVID-19 pandemic and should be continued.
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