Cardiovascular risk reduction via telehealth: a feasibility study.
BACKGROUND
Successful cardiovascular risk reduction (CVRR) requires ongoing care, which can be difficult for patients living outside urban areas. The authors tested the feasibility of CVRR using telehealth.


METHODS
Telehealth care (T group, n=9) was offered at three- to six-month intervals to patients referred from La Ronge, Saskatchewan (385 km northeast of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan). All patients who were referred to the project accepted. For the initial visit, the clinic travelled to La Ronge; all other visits were performed using telehealth (CommunityNet). Body measurements, blood pressure readings, fasting laboratory tests and food and exercise logs were completed in La Ronge. During the telehealth session, patients met with a nurse, a dietician, a fitness consultant and a physician. Changes in medication were faxed or telephoned to the local pharmacy. The T group's outcomes were compared with a control group (C group, n=15), which was offered usual care from La Ronge and had been referred to the clinic previously. Change in Framingham risk score, as well as patient and provider satisfaction, was assessed.


RESULTS
The groups were similar in age (T: 44.3+/-12.8 years, C: 48.3+/-14.3 years) and initial Framingham risk score (T: 12.0+/-13.0%, C: 11.1+/-10.0%). All nine T group patients completed two or more visits, while only eight of 15 patients the C group did so. Both groups achieved a small reduction in Framingham risk score (T: -1.9+/-5.0%, C: -2.0+/-6.1%). Those with the highest initial Framingham risk scores tended to show the greatest reduction. The T group's patient and health care provider comments were generally positive.


CONCLUSIONS
CVRR via telehealth is feasible and compares favourably with usual care. In particular, more complete follow-up occurs.
PausJenssen
Anne M
AM
Department of Medcine and the Cardiology Risk Factor Reduction Unit, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. anne.pausjenssen@saskatoonhealthregion.ca
Spooner
Betty Anne
BA
Wilson
Merne P
MP
Wilson
Thomas W
TW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012307:Risk Factors; D012525:Saskatchewan; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods