Abstract
In 1998 a home monitoring unit was developed to improve post discharge clinical support for surgery patients of the New Brunswick Heart Centre. Patients could transmit a three-lead electrocardiogram, blood pressure and oxygen saturation reading to the clinician via the ordinary telephone network. After data transfer, a video call could be conducted for wound management and patient assessment. User satisfaction was measured in a survey of 60 patients, 60 care-givers and six clinicians in 1999. Patients, clinicians and care-givers were all enthusiastic about the use of home telehealth. The units have now been used by over 3000 patients in their homes. The 24–h immediate access provided by clinicians is an excellent support mechanism, given the high anxiety levels of the patients and their care-givers. It was one of the main factors that facilitated the successful transition of home monitoring from a project to a routine method of health service delivery.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.