Telecare system for cardiac surgery patients: Implementation and effectiveness

Abstract

Objectives: To manage a patient's blood pressure and recovery, and to reduce unnecessary hospital visits after heart surgery, we developed and established a telecare service. Methods: We established and test-operated the system that enabled biometric data to be measured and monitored at home, and directed connections to the video consultation with monitoring personnel and medical staff when abnormal symptoms were detected. Results: As a result of using the telecare service with patients discharged from the hospital after undergoing heart surgery, the patients were mostly satisfied with the service and use of the equipment, and some patients wanted to actually receive the service continuously along with a device which could be more easily used. Conclusions: Telecare services are greatly needed for patients discharged after heart surgery for a certain period of time. A model should be developed which provides devices necessary for each disease in package form and customizes the content and services in one package. © 2011 The Korean Society of Medical Informatics.