A pilot study of radiotelemetry for continuous cardiopulmonary monitoring of patients at home.
We have conducted a trial of a wireless device for continuous cardiopulmonary monitoring. Its performance, user acceptance and safety were assessed for monitoring in the patient's home. The study included 20 patients: six with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, six with chronic heart failure, seven with atrial fibrillation and palpitations, and one with a snoring problem. The system recorded the heart rate and respiratory rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram and body temperature. The results were transmitted automatically to a central monitoring station. The accuracy of the measurements was checked by a comparison system and also by conventional measurements performed by a nurse. The system was acceptable to patients and functioned satisfactorily in the home. An important facet of home telemonitoring may turn out to be its greater reliability in collecting objective data.
de Lusignan
S
S
Department of General Practice and Primary Care, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK. slusignan@drs.desk.sthames.nhs.uk
Althans
A
A
Wells
S
S
Johnson
P
P
Vandenburg
M
M
Robinson
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000592:standards*