Chronic disease management in heart failure: focus on telemedicine and remote monitoring

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, many barriers to telemedicine disappeared. Virtual visits and telemonitoring strategies became routine. Evidence is accumulating regarding the safety and efficacy of virtual visits to replace in-person visits. A structured approach to virtual encounters is recommended. Telemonitoring includes patient reported remote vital sign monitoring, information from wearable devices, cardiac implantable electronic devices and invasive remote hemodynamic monitoring. The intensity of the monitoring should match the risk profile of the patient. Attention to cultural and educational barriers is important to prevent disparities in telehealth implementation.

Automated summary

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, barriers to telemedicine have decreased, making virtual visits and telemonitoring strategies more common. Evidence suggests that virtual visits can safely replace in-person visits, with a structured approach recommended. Telemonitoring includes various methods and should be tailored to match the patient's risk profile, with attention to cultural and educational barriers important in preventing disparities in implementation.