SmartBEAT: A Smartphone-Based Heart Failure Telemonitoring Solution

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic syndrome associated with poor prognosis and high healthcare costs, mainly due to frequent hospitalizations. These are preceded by changes in several physiological parameters, creating an opportunity for early detection and treatment of hemodynamic unbalance, and hospitalizations avoidance. Invasive telemonitoring systems have proven efficacy on this detection. Conversely, non-invasive systems need further evidence, mainly due to poor technological adherence. In this paper we describe SmartBEAT as smartphone-based HF non-invasive home telemonitoring system (NIHTS) and analyze preliminary results of SmartBEAT field test. SmartBEAT collects, analyses and manages HF patients’ data. Biological parameters are collected by external sensors and transmitted to a mobile phone and to a portal, where an algorithm identifies false from true alarms and displays a hierarchical interventional response. Patients were recruited in a Heart Failure Clinic at a University Hospital and used this system during 3 months, on a daily basis. Adherence to the system was analyzed and pre-/post-test data of usability assessments and perception of benefit were compared. A total of 10 patients aged ≥60 were recruited. Mean age 68 ± 4, 30% women, 8 ± 5 mean education years. Adherence to monitoring protocol was 97% at 3 months. Patients’ evaluation of this NIHTS was very positive in pre- and post-test assessments, reporting it was easy to use, conveyed a higher sensation of safety and was useful for healthcare management.