A multimodal technology intervention for heart failure patients to reduce readmissions

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent and costly condition. Technology is increasingly being used to deliver patient self-care programs to provide knowledge and skills for early symptom recognition, prompt treatment, and successful management. Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide a home telemonitoring (HT) and telephonic nurse coach (NC) motivational interviewing (MI) educational intervention. Methods: Thirty participants (M age = 75) were enrolled in a three-arm randomized controlled trial. Group A participants ( n = 9) received HT devices, NC, and MI HF self-care education while Group B ( n = 11) had NC, MI HF self-care, and Group C ( n = 9) received NC health promotion only. Results: Eighty-four percent of participants completed the study. Only 1, of the total 9 readmissions that occurred among the 3 groups, was in Group A but there was no statistical significance regarding readmissions. Both depression ( p = .008) and telemedicine satisfaction ( p = .046) were statistically significant between the groups. Over time, Group A participant depression declined ( p = .047) while Group C demonstrated improved self-care confidence ( p = .047). Implications: There are numerous challenges related to the care and management of chronically ill HF patients. Potential benefits that may result from the use of HT in promoting self-care of HF patients should be further explored.