RESULTS The magnitude and significance of the telemonitoring effects on patients ' conditions ( e.g. , early detection of symptoms , decrease in blood pressure , adequate medication , reduced mortality ) still remain inconclusive for all four chronic illnesses .
However , the results of this study suggest that regardless of their nationality , socioeconomic status , or age , patients comply with telemonitoring programs and the use of technologies .
Importantly , the telemonitoring effects on clinical effectiveness outcomes ( e.g. , decrease in the emergency visits , hospital admissions , average hospital length of stay ) are more consistent in pulmonary and cardiac studies than diabetes and hypertension .
Home telemonitoring of chronic diseases seems to be a promising patient management approach that produces accurate and reliable data , empowers patients , influences their attitudes and behaviors , and potentially improves their medical conditions .
OBJECTIVE Home telemonitoring represents a patient management approach combining various information technologies for monitoring patients at distance .
This study presents a systematic review of the nature and magnitude of outcomes associated with telemonitoring of four types of chronic illnesses : pulmonary conditions , diabetes , hypertension , and cardiovascular diseases .
Home monitoring of foot skin temperatures to prevent ulceration.
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of at-home infrared temperature monitoring as a preventative tool in individuals at high risk for diabetes-related lower-extremity ulceration and amputation . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Eighty-five patients who fit diabetic foot risk category 2 or 3 ( neuropathy and foot deformity or previous history of ulceration or partial foot amputation ) were r and omized into a st and ard therapy group ( n = 41 ) or an enhanced therapy group ( n = 44 ) . St and ard therapy consisted of therapeutic footwear , diabetic foot education , and regular foot evaluation by a podiatrist . Enhanced therapy included the addition of a h and held infrared skin thermometer to measure temperatures on the sole of the foot in the morning and evening . Elevated temperatures ( > 4 degrees F compared with the opposite foot ) were considered to be " at risk " of ulceration due to inflammation at the site of measurement . When foot temperatures were elevated , subjects were instructed to reduce their activity and contact the study nurse . Study subjects were followed for 6 months . RESULTS The enhanced therapy group had significantly fewer diabetic foot complications ( enhanced therapy group 2 % vs. st and ard therapy group 20 % , P = 0.01 , odds ratio 10.3 , 95 % CI 1.2 - 85.3 ) . There were seven ulcers and two Charcot fractures among st and ard therapy patients and one ulcer in the enhanced therapy group . CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that at-home patient self-monitoring with daily foot temperatures may be an effective adjunctive tool to prevent foot complications in individuals at high risk for lower-extremity ulceration and amputation
RESULTS The magnitude and significance of the telemonitoring effects on patients ' conditions ( e.g. , early detection of symptoms , decrease in blood pressure , adequate medication , reduced mortality ) still remain inconclusive for all four chronic illnesses .
However , the results of this study suggest that regardless of their nationality , socioeconomic status , or age , patients comply with telemonitoring programs and the use of technologies .
Importantly , the telemonitoring effects on clinical effectiveness outcomes ( e.g. , decrease in the emergency visits , hospital admissions , average hospital length of stay ) are more consistent in pulmonary and cardiac studies than diabetes and hypertension .
Home telemonitoring of chronic diseases seems to be a promising patient management approach that produces accurate and reliable data , empowers patients , influences their attitudes and behaviors , and potentially improves their medical conditions .
OBJECTIVE Home telemonitoring represents a patient management approach combining various information technologies for monitoring patients at distance .
This study presents a systematic review of the nature and magnitude of outcomes associated with telemonitoring of four types of chronic illnesses : pulmonary conditions , diabetes , hypertension , and cardiovascular diseases .