Objective:
This retrospective study evaluated predictors of attrition in data from veterans with chronic medical conditions who were enrolled in a Veterans Administration Care Coordination Home Telehealth program.
Subjects and Methods:
Data were collected over a 4-year period. The enrolled sample was 73 veterans, 55.3% of whom discontinued enrollment during this period.
Results:
Among the selected variables examined, program discontinuation was assessed within the first 30 days of enrollment by response frequency to the home telehealth device. Intermittent device response was associated with earlier dropout. Enrollment in the program via telephone (rather than in person) was the largest predictor of premature dropout.
Conclusions:
To ensure sustained home telehealth utilization, it is essential to engage patients through encouraging active and regular responding to the provider through the home telehealth device within the first 30 days of program initiation.