title: "We as Human Beings Get Farther and Farther Apart": the experiences of patients with remote monitoring systems.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the experiences of patients living with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) who had received remote monitoring (RM).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Anecdotal evidence suggests that not all patients with RM use the technology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups of patients with an ICD who received an RM system. Transcripts reviewed using thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine patients (3 women and 6 men; median [range] age, 73 [58-91] years) received an RM system. Patients were assigned to a group in regard to RM system use (nonusers, n = 5; users, n = 4). Few nonusers recalled having prior conversations about the system. Users described it as "simple" and "easy" to use. Nonusers often were unsure whether their system was correctly transmitting information. System benefits perceived by users included convenience and security. Nonusers expressed mistrust. Recommendations included early education and help lines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patient adherence to RM systems can be improved by explaining perceived benefits and addressing barriers to use.
authors.affiliation: Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. ottenberg.abigale@mayo.edu
authors.forename: Abigale L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Ottenberg
authors.forename: Keith M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Swetz
authors.forename: Luke A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Mueller
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gerhardson
authors.forename: Paul S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Mueller
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D058998:Remote Sensing Technology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
keywords: Cardiovascular implantable electronic device; Ethics; ICD; Lumos-T Safely Reduces Routine Office Device Follow-up; RM; Remote sensing technology; TRUST; implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; remote monitoring