Telemonitoring increases patient awareness of health and prompts health-related action: Initial evaluation of the TELE-ERA study

Jennifer L. Pecina, Kristin S. Vickers, Dawn M. Finnie, Julie C. Hathaway, Gregory J. Hanson, Paul Y. Takahashi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Telemonitoring is being increasingly used for chronic disease monitoring. Understanding elderly patients' feelings and perspectives toward telemonitoring is important to minimize any barriers to implementation in this population. Methods: Twenty Tele-Era Trial participants completed qualitative interviews assessing opinions about their telemonitoring experience. Participants also rated telemonitoring on burden, communication with clinicians, impact on medical condition knowledge, and confidence in using the monitor. Results: On an average, participants rated telemonitoring as minimally burdensome, rated themselves confident in using the monitor, and positively rated telemonitoring for clinical communication. Qualitative analysis revealed a predominant theme that telemonitoring increases patient awareness of their health and also that telemonitoring prompts action. Conclusion: Elderly patients find home telemonitoring to be an acceptable and satisfying experience that can increase their awareness of their health and provide a sense of safety in their home. Home telemonitoring can lead to earlier evaluation of decline in health status.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)461-466
Number of pages6
JournalTelemedicine and e-Health
Volume17
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2011

Keywords

  • home health monitoring
  • telehealth
  • telemedicine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Informatics
  • Health Information Management

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