Conclusion : Despite a systematic bias towards recruitment of individuals younger than the epidemiological average into the r and omized controlled trials , older people with heart failure did benefit from structured telephone support and telemonitoring .
While further research is required to confirm these observational findings , the evidence at h and indicates that discrimination by age alone may be not be appropriate when inviting participation in a remote monitoring service for heart failure
Background : There are few data regarding the effectiveness of remote monitoring for older people with heart failure .
We conducted a post-hoc sub- analysis of a previously published large Cochrane systematic review and meta- analysis of relevant r and omized controlled trials to determine whether structured telephone support and telemonitoring were effective in this population .
A multicenter disease management program for hospitalized patients with heart failure.
BACKGROUND Despite the availability of proven therapies , outcomes in patients with heart failure ( HF ) remain poor . In this 2-stage , multicenter trial , we evaluated the effect of a disease management program on clinical and economic outcomes in patients with HF . METHODS AND RESULTS In Stage 1 , a pharmacist or nurse assessed each patient and made recommendations to the physician to add or adjust angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE ) inhibitors and other HF medications . Before discharge ( Stage 2 ) , patients were r and omized to a patient support program ( PSP ) ( education about HF , self-monitoring , adherence aids , newsletters , telephone hotline , and follow-up at 2 weeks , then monthly for 6 months after discharge ) or usual care . In Stage 1 ( 766 patients )  ACE inhibitor use increased from 58 % on admission to 83 % at discharge ( P < .0001 ) , and the daily dose ( in enalapril equivalents ) increased from 11.3 + /- 8.8 mg to 14.5 + /- 8.8 mg ( P < .0001 ) . In Stage 2 ( 276 patients ) there was no difference in ACE inhibitor adherence , but a reduction in cardiovascular-related emergency room visits ( 49 versus 20 , P = .030 ) , hospitalization days ( 812 versus 341 , P = .003 ) , and cost of care ( 2,531 Canadian dollars less per patient ) in favor of the PSP . CONCLUSION Simple interventions can improve ACE inhibitor use and patient outcomes
Conclusion : Despite a systematic bias towards recruitment of individuals younger than the epidemiological average into the r and omized controlled trials , older people with heart failure did benefit from structured telephone support and telemonitoring .
While further research is required to confirm these observational findings , the evidence at h and indicates that discrimination by age alone may be not be appropriate when inviting participation in a remote monitoring service for heart failure
Background : There are few data regarding the effectiveness of remote monitoring for older people with heart failure .
We conducted a post-hoc sub- analysis of a previously published large Cochrane systematic review and meta- analysis of relevant r and omized controlled trials to determine whether structured telephone support and telemonitoring were effective in this population .