Optimal guidance of heart failure patients in the home environment

Heart failure often reveals itself during acute episodes, typically leading to hospital admissions. Once diagnosed, patients commence a regimen of specialized medications and are counselled on lifestyle alterations. Key recommendations include engaging in regular exercise, mindful hydration, and transitioning to a nutritious diet.

To facilitate a quicker discharge from the hospital, these patients are enrolled in a specialized care pathway for heart failure in Remecare. Patients download the Remecare app on their smartphones and are provided with a blood pressure monitor and scale. This allows them to communicate directly with the heart failure center via the Remecare platform.

Thanks to daily support provided through the smartphone app, patients are reminded to take essential heart failure medications on time. Additionally, the evolution of vital parameters is monitored through the platform. Moreover, the app encourages patients to make necessary lifestyle changes. If desired, patients can also log the severity of heart failure symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, edema, dyspnea, orthopnea, or palpitations.

Triage algorithms combine trends from the vital parameters with logged heart failure symptoms. This ensures timely and precise care, directing patients to the appropriate healthcare professional. Both the heart failure center and the patient collaboratively decide on the healthcare providers to be involved in the patient's care and follow-up. General practitioners can adjust heart failure medication dosages and organize essential blood tests. Home-care nurses can guide patients in monitoring vital signs and symptoms. Additionally, pharmacists offer further clarification on heart failure medications.

By adopting this approach, patients become more engaged in their heart failure therapy, leading to increased adherence to treatment. With proper patient monitoring, hospital readmissions become less frequent and of shorter duration. Healthcare providers also benefit as they are alerted at the right moments, allowing them to efficiently allocate their valuable time and consultation resources.

Learn more about Remecare for cardiology.

See it in action: schedule a demo.