Trial of an Internet-based Platform for Monitoring Heart Failure Patients

Several studies have indicated that heart failure (HF) clinics facilitating patient self-management and using multi-disciplinary care reduce in hospital bed-days, all-cause and HF-related hospitalizations, all-cause mortality, and improve patient quality of life. Additionally, national and provincial organizations have identified patient-focused homecare initiatives in telehealth as demonstrating great promise for health service. Our pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of the internet based vHFC and supports the investigation of this intervention in patients with HF. The purpose of our single-blinded randomized trail is to investigate the efficacy of an Internet-based heart failure (HF) clinic (vHFC) in 186 patients living with HF. Hypotheses A. Participation in a vHFC emphasizing patient self-management and monitoring will result in improved functional capacity compared to usual care in patients with HF. B. Participation in a vHFC emphasizing patient self-management and monitoring will result in improved health indices such as, self-management skills, quality of life, levels of B-type natriuretic peptide and healthcare utilization compared to usual care in patients with HF. Our objectives of the vHFC study is as follows: 1. To establish a cohort of 186 patients with HF. 2. To determine the benefits of participating in the vHFC over usual care at 12 months with respect to exercise capacity. 3. To compare the changes in other risk factors and lifestyle behaviours between the vHFC and usual care patients.