Development and piloting of nurse-led mHealth care for heart failure patients: A feasibility study

Background: Chronic heart failure (cHI) is the most common reason for hospitalization. Telemonitoring (TM) and Heart Failure Nurses (HFN) can detect decompensations and prevent hospitalizations. Aim: The aim was to develop and examine the feasibility of a digitally supported care-guided care model for cHI patients and to evaluate it in terms of adherence, technology usability, satisfaction, self-care and health literacy, disease knowledge, quality of life and health status. Methods: The study was conducted in a user-centered manner using mixed. The 6-month pilot was carried out in the patients' domestics using qualitative (e.g. focus groups) and quantitative methods (validated questionnaires). Results: A total of n = 30 cHI patients (age: M 66, SD 14 years; female n = 10 [31%], male n = 22 [69%]) completed the clinical testing. The intervention consisted of: Training, the TM application, nursing/medical advice and support and a digital library. Adherence to TM was over 80% (relative adherence: M 87, SD 16%; absolute adherence: M 82, SD 19%). Health literacy, disease knowledge and quality of life increased. The state of health improved and those affected felt more confident in dealing with the disease. No changes were recorded for self-care skills. Conclusions: Hybrid care is very well received and demonstrates the potential to promote self-care for those affected.