BMC Digital Health (Sep 2024)

Patients’ experience using an app for home remote monitoring of heart failure for a university hospital in Quebec, Canada

  • Thi Xuan Hanh Vo,
  • Marie-Pascale Pomey,
  • Loyda Jean Charles,
  • Paula A. B. Ribeiro,
  • Stéphanie Béchard,
  • Émilie Rémillard,
  • Shana Grigoletti,
  • John Nguyen,
  • Pascale Lehoux,
  • Emmanuel Marier-Tétrault,
  • Francois Tournoux

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s44247-024-00126-4
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 1
pp. 1 – 12

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Background The use of mobile health apps for remote monitoring has considerable potential for patient care. However, more research is needed to gather patients’ experience with their use. This study evaluates heart failure patients’ experience of the effects of remote monitoring on the management of heart failure (HF) using a smartphone app, the challenges faced in such use, and patients’ suggestions for improving the efficacy of this device. Method A qualitative study was conducted with all patients who had used the TakeCare™ app for at least three months during the exploratory phase of the Continuum project. Patients were recruited before COVID-19 began, and they used the app during this period. The app allows patients to submit their daily vital signs and answer questions about their symptoms to help the clinical professionals adjust their treatment plan as needed. Individual interviews were conducted by telephone or videoconference using a semi-structured individual interview guide. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Results Of the 29 patients invited, 5 had since died, 10 did not respond, two gave positive feedback on the app but declined the interview, and 12 patients agreed to participate in an individual interview. The participants all liked the app’s ease of use. They particularly praised the contribution it made to monitoring their disease, both by themselves and by clinicians. The app also allowed them to stay connected to their clinical team and have better access to healthcare professionals. Patients suggested, as an improvement, that the feedback and communication features should be personalized to make them more individualized and interactive. Conclusion The TakeCare™ smartphone app was well received by patients with heart failure. Its use could facilitate better remote monitoring of heart conditions in the home as well as improve access to clinical teams.

Keywords