Subgroup analysis showed that telemonitoring reduced exacerbation rates when the intervention continued for longer than six months or pulmonary function was monitored .
Conclusions Telemonitoring for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was unlikely to result in statistically significant improvements in health outcomes .
However , our novel finding was that at least six months of intervention duration and monitoring of pulmonary function play roles in activating the effects of telemonitoring
Aims The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of telemonitoring for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .
Telehealth remote monitoring for community-dwelling older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
OBJECTIVE To determine if self-monitoring via home-based telehealth equipment could , when combined with ongoing remote monitoring by a nurse , reduce the incidence of hospitalizations and emergency department ( ED ) presentations for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) . SUBJECTS AND METHODS A r and omized controlled trial was used to compare the outcomes for participants receiving the telehealth equipment and monitoring  with those for participants in an information-only control group  , over a period of 6 months . Participants receiving the telehealth intervention were taught to measure and record their vital signs ( blood pressure , weight , temperature , pulse , and oxygen saturation levels ) on a daily basis . These were then transmitted automatically via telephone to a secure Web site where they were monitored each day by the telehealth nurse . RESULTS The telehealth group had fewer ED presentations and hospital admissions and a reduced length of stay in comparison with the control group . These results were not statistically significant . However , the reduction in health service use was large enough to result in significant cost savings , with the annual cost savings of the telehealth group compared with the control group being $ 2,931 per person . CONCLUSIONS Telehealth monitoring of patient vital signs reduced health service utilization for individuals with COPD and result ed in significant cost savings . In terms of individual health benefits , improvements in participants ' self-management behaviors and control over their condition was evident
Subgroup analysis showed that telemonitoring reduced exacerbation rates when the intervention continued for longer than six months or pulmonary function was monitored .
Conclusions Telemonitoring for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was unlikely to result in statistically significant improvements in health outcomes .
However , our novel finding was that at least six months of intervention duration and monitoring of pulmonary function play roles in activating the effects of telemonitoring
Aims The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of telemonitoring for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .