After weight is determined and verbally reported to the patient, the device asks questions customized by the patient's physician about symptoms. Nurses track and review data within two hours of transmission. Changes in symptoms or health are verified with the patient and reported immediately to the patient's physician who can then decide how to proceed. The system offers user-friendly technology that was designed for people who might not be computer savvy. It's also easy for users with poor vision who might be frail and unstable.
Participation takes about two minutes a day.
Researchers are enrolling patients who have been hospitalized for heart failure in the last 6 months. Patients will be randomized into two groups. One group will receive standard care for heart failure. The other group will receive standard care in addition to home monitoring via the Alere DayLink monitoring system. After six months, patients who were randomized to the Alere DayLink monitor will be re-randomized to continue with Alere or to receive standard care for heart failure.