Telemonitoring in HF — EECC MCQ

Correct answer: C — Structured telephone support and remote monitoring programmes reduce HF hospitalisation and mortality in some studies — the ESC HF Guidelines recommend telemonitoring as part of a multidisciplinary HF management programme to improve outcomes

The correct answer is C. Telemonitoring in heart failure has been studied, and evidence from structured telephone support and non-invasive home telemonitoring programmes shows reductions in heart-failure-related hospitalisation and, in some analyses, mortality compared with usual care. ESC heart failure guidance supports non-invasive home telemonitoring as an adjunct to usual multidisciplinary heart failure care to reduce recurrent cardiovascular/heart failure hospitalisations and cardiovascular death. It should be understood as part of a structured heart failure management programme, not a replacement for clinical review, optimisation of drug/device therapy, renal/electrolyte monitoring, or urgent in-person assessment when the patient deteriorates. Therefore options stating that telemonitoring has never been studied, replaces all follow-up, increases mortality, or that only in-person visits are effective are incorrect.

Reference: European Society of Cardiology (ESC). 2021 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure, Section 9.6 Telemonitoring. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045