Health Informatics and Technology

Biography

Biography: Mirou Jaana

Abstract

Telemonitoring represents a promising patient management approach, which has been extensively studied in the literature over the last two decades. It leverages technology for the close follow-up and management of patients through timely transmission of clinical and physiological data that enables prompt medical interventions when needed, prior to worsening in a patient’s condition. Its application in relation to chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart failure, respiratory conditions, and hypertension) has been researched and advocated in different countries. The aging of populations around the world, the increasing burden of chronic diseases, and the resulting skewed heath care expenditures have raised concerns over the capacity of existing health care systems to deal with these challenges. Telemonitoring of patients with chronic diseases is perceived as a powerful and viable intervention for managing patients with these conditions, which is capable of addressing existing resource challenges, as well as concerns observed with the delivery of chronic care. Different modalities, arrangements / settings, and technologies related to telemonitoring have evolved in the literature, and the heterogeneity of the studies investigating this approach has been documented. Despite the abundance of articles, beginning with empirical studies and progressing into reviews, most of the reported evidence emphasized on specific outcomes measures to accentuate its relevance and viability as a patient management approach, and highlighted methodological weaknesses and discrepancies in the conducted evaluations to be addressed in this track of research. Potential benefits associated with telemonitoring remain to be exploited, which should guide future research agendas and investments in this field.