Non-invasive telemonitoring and quality of life in heart failure: part one—developing a mixed-methods systematic review protocol

Advances in technology and the social distancing measures implemented in 2020–21 have put remote monitoring and digital health initiatives in the limelight as promising strategies to reduce adverse events associated with chronic disease, while enhancing patient satisfaction. This article is the first in a two-part series, reporting on a mixed-methods systematic review, which sought to evaluate the effectiveness of non-invasive remote monitoring on quality of life among patients with chronic heart failure. As quality of life is a subjective concept regarding how individuals perceive their health status and satisfaction with life, a mixed-methods approach was deemed appropriate. The review questions were: is telemonitoring effective in improving quality of life among patients with chronic heart failure in the community, and how do these patients perceive and experience telemonitoring in terms of their quality of life? The mixed-methods review follows a convergent segregated approach, drawing evidence-based and credible recommendations for clinical practice and policy decision making. This article will describe the development of the review protocol.