HOW TECHNOLOGIES CAN HELP HOSPITAL-AT-HOME CARE FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH ACUTE HEART FAILURE

• Published in: Innovation in aging Vol. 1; no. suppl_1; p. 1247
• Main Authors: Tibaldi, V., Ricauda Nicoletta, A., Rocco, M., Giovanni Carlo, I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 01.07.2017
• Subjects: Abstracts
• ISSN: 2399-5300; 2399-5300
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.4528

Advances in the miniaturization and portability of diagnostic technologies, information technologies, remote monitoring, and long-distance care have increased the viability of home-based care, particularly for patients with serious conditions. The Hospital at Home Service (HHS) of Torino is a multidisciplinary, physician-led unit, established in 1985. About 15% of HHS patients have Acute Heart Failure (AHF), requiring on occasion intravenous diuretics and dopamine. A Randomized Controlled Trial of telemonitoring, was initiated in 2014 for patients with AHF receiving home management as an alternative to hospital care. Through the web-platform “Nuvola IT HomeDoctor”, physicians and nurses remotely monitor vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oximetry, weight), treating accordingly. The technology is simple, and well accepted by patients and caregivers. We will present an overview of our model of care, and the impact of telemonitoring upon frequency of home visits by HHS staff, and quality of life of patients and caregivers.