Survey of Computer, Smart Devices, and Internet use in Heart Failure Patients

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic disease, as such, it is a condition that requires constant monitoring to ensure patients’ health. It is estimated that $37.2 billion is spent annually on the 5.8 million HF patients in the US with hospitalization for HF being a major contributor to the total cost. Approximately 17% to 33% of HF patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. Due to an aging population and increasing economic burden, it has become a priority to reduce the number of HF admissions. One approach to try to reduce hospitalizations is to use technology and develop patient-center approaches via internet or mobile application to help patients manage their HF. To better understand how to develop these types of approaches we administered a survey to assess HF patient’s use of technology. This investigation will give important insight into the potential barriers and feasibility of using technology to help manage a growing HF population.

Keywords

• Technology
• Access
• Mobile Applications