Automated weight monitoring in chronic heart failure: the excluded majority

We interviewed nurses and patients with heart failure who were participating in a research trial of home telemonitoring in which weight data were monitored automatically by a call centre. A total of 35 interviews were conducted and the transcripts were analysed thematically. The results indicated that nurses disagreed about the role of weight monitoring and the practicalities of telemonitoring in their daily practice, indicating that the process was idiosyncratic to each user. The lack of personal feedback and nursing contact discouraged patients from weight monitoring, suggesting that a feedback mechanism may have to be adapted to suit patients. There were other factors which created barriers to acceptance by patients and staff. Home telemonitoring for heart failure cannot be evaluated effectively using the standard approach commonly employed. New studies are required.