Theory Testing of Patient Perspectives Using a Mobile Health Technology System in Heart Failure Self-care.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing interest in mobile health (mHealth), the use of mobile devices for supporting self-care in persons with heart failure. However, an established theoretical framework to explain, predict, and understand the phenomena of mHealth to support self-care is lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to deductively test if the situation-specific theory of heart failure self-care could be applied in the context of persons with heart failure using an mHealth system with a tablet computer connected to a weighing scale to support their self-care. We wanted to test whether the 3 phases of the self-care process (ie, self-care maintenance, symptom perception, and self-care management) could be validated in the experiences of persons with heart failure using an mHealth tool. METHODS: A qualitative study design was used with semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed deductively using content analysis and coded according to a structured matrix into 1 of the 3 predefined categories: self-care maintenance, symptom perception, or self-care management RESULTS:: Seventeen persons with heart failure, with mean age of 75 years, participated. The mHealth system was found to be feasible, influencing adherence and providing support for maintaining self-care as well as influencing both physical and psychological symptom perception.In persons with heart failure, the mHealth tool experience influenced the development and use of skills and fostered independence in self-care management. An interaction with healthcare professionals was sometimes needed in combination with the mHealth tool. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirmed that "the situation-specific theory of heart failure self-care" could be applied in this context.

Effects of a Tablet Computer on Self-care, Quality of Life, and Knowledge: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting results have been reported for telemonitoring in patients with heart failure (HF). We wanted to evaluate whether patients using a tablet computer aimed at improving self-care behavior could do so and also whether it affects quality of life and health-related quality of life, disease knowledge, and in-hospital days. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with HF (n = 82) were randomized to the intervention group (IG) with a tablet computer (giving information and advice) or the control group (CG) that was subject to standard care. Study was completed by 72 patients, with a mean (SD) age of 75 (8) years, 68% male, and 74% NYHA class III. Self-care behavior measured with the 9-item European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale, health related quality of life measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, quality of life measured by the Swedish version of the Health Survey, knowledge measured by the Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale, days in hospital, and adherence were analyzed. The IG displayed better 9-item European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale score (median IG, 16.5 [interquartile range {IQR}, 12-22], vs median CG, 23.5 [IQR, 18.8-30.0]; P < .05) and improved health related quality of life (median IG, 72.7 [IQR, 50.8-87.9], vs median CG, 51.8 [IQR, 40.9-62.8]; P < .05). A significant difference in knowledge was seen, with an 11% increase in IG and a 1% decrease in CG (P < .05), as well as a reduction in hospital days in IG by 2.7 days per patient (relative risk, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.61-0.84; P < .05). CONCLUSION: The tablet computer significantly improved self-care behavior and health related quality of life, increased HF knowledge, and reduced hospital days.

Changes in Thirst Intensity During Optimization of Heart Failure Medical Therapy by Nurses at the Outpatient Clinic.

BACKGROUND: Thirst can be aggravated in patients with heart failure (HF), and optimization of HF medication can have positive impact on thirst. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to describe changes in thirst intensity and to determine factors associated with high thirst intensity during optimization of HF medication. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with HF (N = 66) who were referred to an HF clinic for up-titration of HF medication were included. Data were collected during the first visit to the clinic and at the end of the treatment program. Data were dichotomized by the median visual analog scale score for thirst, dividing patients into 2 groups: low thirst intensity (0-20 mm) and high thirst intensity (>20 mm on a visual analog scale of 0-100 mm). In total, 67% of the patients reported a higher thirst intensity after the HF up-titration program. There was no difference in thirst intensity between the patients who reached target doses and those who did not. Plasma urea level (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.65) and fluid restriction (odds ratio, 6.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.90-20.5) were independently associated with high thirst intensity in patients with HF. CONCLUSIONS: Thirst intensity increased in two-thirds of the patients during a time period of optimization of HF medication. Fluid restriction and plasma urea levels were associated with high thirst intensity.

Patient-centred home-based management of heart failure. Findings from a randomised clinical trial evaluating a tablet computer for self-care, quality of life and effects on knowledge.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether a new home intervention system (HIS, OPTILOGG(®)) consisting of a specialised software, a tablet computer (tablet) wirelessly connected to a weight scale may improve self-care behaviour, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), knowledge about heart failure (HF) and reduce hospital days due to HF. DESIGN: 82 patients (32% females) with mean age: 75 ± 8 years hospitalised with HF were randomised at discharge to an intervention group (IG) equipped with the HIS or to a control group (CG) receiving standard HF information only. The tablet contained information about HF and lifestyle advice according to current guidelines. It also showed present dose of diuretic, changes in patient-measured weight and HRQoL over time. RESULTS: After 3 months the IG displayed a dramatic improvement in self-care with p < 0.05 (median IG: 17 [IQR: 13, 22] and CG: 21 [IQR: 17, 25]). The disease-specific HRQoL was measured by Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. The IG had significantly higher score (median IG: 65.1 [IQR: 38.5, 83.3] vs. CG: 52.1 [IQR: 41.1, 64.1] p < 0.05) and an improved physical limitation (median IG: 54.2 [IQR: 37.7, 83.3] vs. CG: 45.8 [IQR: 25.0, 54.2] p < 0.05) There was no difference in knowledge. IG showed fewer HF-related days in the hospital, with 1.3 HF-related hospital days/patient versus 3.5 in CG (risk ratio: 0.38; 95% confidence interval: 0.31-0.46; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HF patients with a HIS tablet computer and scale improved in self-care and HRQoL. Days in hospital due to HF were reduced. A medical device that is easy to use can be a valuable tool for improving self-care and outcome in patients with HF.

From randomised controlled trial to real world implementation of a novel home-based heart failure tool: pooled and comparative analyses of two clinical controlled trials.

Objectives: A home-based tool for heart failure (HF) patients, was evaluated in a specialist setting as a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and also in a validation cohort in a primary care setting in a clinical controlled trial (CCT). The tool provides education, symptom monitoring and titration of diuretics. The aim of this study was thus to extend validity of the previous RCT findings in order to describe applicability of the tool in clinical practice. Methods: Data from both trials were analysed separately, as well as a pooled data set (n=172). Data were analysed with respect to HF related in-hospital days, self-care behaviour and system adherence, during a 6-month intervention. The analysis of in-hospital days for the pooled data was adjusted for baseline differences between the two study cohorts, relating to disease state. Results: In the RCT (n=72) the intervention group (IG) consisted of 32 patients and the control group (CG) of 40 patients. The risk ratio (RR) for in-hospital days was RR: 0.72, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.84, p<0.05 in favour of the IG. In the CCT (n=100) both the IG and the CG consisted of 50 patients and the IG had fewer in-hospitals days, comparable to the RCT findings with RR: 0.67; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.99; p<0.05. For the pooled data set made up of 172 patients, the groups were well balanced but with a higher prevalence of hypertension in the CG. The RR relating to in-hospital days for the pooled data set was 0.71; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.82; p<0.05 in favour of the IG. There was a statistically significant improvement in self-care by 27% and the median system adherence was 94%. Conclusions: These analyses suggest that the evaluated tool might reduce HF related in-hospital days in the general HF population, which adds to the external validity of previous findings.Clinical Trial Registration NCT03655496.

Effects of yoga versus hydrotherapy training on health-related quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with heart failure: A randomized controlled study.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to determine whether yoga and hydrotherapy training had an equal effect on the health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure and to compare the effects on exercise capacity, clinical outcomes, and symptoms of anxiety and depression between and within the two groups. METHODS: The design was a randomized controlled non-inferiority study. A total of 40 patients, 30% women (mean±SD age 64.9±8.9 years) with heart failure were randomized to an intervention of 12 weeks, either performing yoga or training with hydrotherapy for 45-60 minutes twice a week. Evaluation at baseline and after 12 weeks included self-reported health-related quality of life, a six-minute walk test, a sit-to-stand test, clinical variables, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Yoga and hydrotherapy had an equal impact on quality of life, exercise capacity, clinical outcomes, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Within both groups, exercise capacity significantly improved (hydrotherapy p=0.02; yoga p=0.008) and symptoms of anxiety decreased (hydrotherapy p=0.03; yoga p=0.01). Patients in the yoga group significantly improved their health as rated by EQ-VAS ( p=0.004) and disease-specific quality of life in the domains symptom frequency ( p=0.03), self-efficacy ( p=0.01), clinical summary as a combined measure of symptoms and social factors ( p=0.05), and overall summary score ( p=0.04). Symptoms of depression were decreased in this group ( p=0.005). In the hydrotherapy group, lower limb muscle strength improved significantly ( p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Yoga may be an alternative or complementary option to established forms of exercise training such as hydrotherapy for improvement in health-related quality of life and may decrease depressive symptoms in patients with heart failure.

Weight monitoring in patients with severe heart failure (WISH). A randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: This multicentre, randomized controlled trial hypothesized that daily electronic transmission of body weight to a heart failure (HF) clinic will reduce cardiac hospitalization in patients recently hospitalized with HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 344 patients were randomized to either an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). Of the 319 patients included in the final analysis, the mean age was 73 years (SD 10.2), 75% were males, and 57% had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <30%. Patients in both groups were recommended to weigh themselves daily and, in the case of sudden weight gain >2 kg in 3 days, to contact the HF clinic. Patients in the IG were given an electronic scale and the weight was automatically transmitted to and monitored at the HF clinic. No significant differences were found for the primary endpoint, cardiac re-hospitalization [70/153 CG, 70/166 IG; hazard ratio (HR) 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-1.26, P = 0.54], or for the secondary endpoints, which included all-cause hospitalization (84/153 CG, 79/166 IG; HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.61-1.13, P = 0.24), death from any cause (8/153 CG, 5/166 IG; HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.19-1.73, P = 0.32), or the composite endpoint of cardiac hospitalization and death from any cause (78/153 CG, 75/166 IG; HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.65-1.26, P = 0.54). Subgroup analyses did not show any benefits for patients in the IG despite their more frequent monitoring; 398 occasions compared with 30 occasions in the CG. CONCLUSION: Daily electronic transmission of body weight and monitoring three times a week did not decrease hospitalization or death in HF patients followed up at a HF clinic.