Patient responses to daily cardiac resynchronization therapy device data: A pilot trial assessing a novel patient-centered digital dashboard in everyday life

Abstract

Background Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health problem in the United States. Implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices reduce mortality and morbidity, and remote monitoring (RM) of these devices improves outcomes. However, patient RM adherence is low, due in part to lack of access to their RM data. Providing these data to patients may increase engagement, but they must be appropriately tailored to ensure understanding. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine patients’ experiences interacting with their RM data through a novel digital dashboard as part of daily life. Methods In this mixed-methods pilot study, 10 patients with implantable CRT defibrillators were given access to a patient-centered RM data dashboard, updated daily for 6–12 months. Pre- and post-health literacy, engagement, electronic portal (MyChart, Epic Systems Corporation) logins, and RM adherence were measured; system usability scores were collected at exit; and dashboard views were tracked. Exit interviews were conducted to elucidate patients’ experiences. Results Participants (100% white; 60% male; age 34–80 years [mean ± SD: 62.0 ± 13.4]) had adequate health literacy, increased MyChart logins (P = .0463), and nonsignificant increase in RM adherence. Participants viewed their dashboards 0–42 times (mean 14.9 ± 12.5). Interviews revealed participants generally appreciated access to their data, understood it, and responded to changes; however, questions and concerns remained regarding data interpretation and visualization. Conclusion Preliminary findings support potential future integration of a CRT RM data dashboard in the daily care of HF patients. With appropriate informational support and personalization, sharing RM data with patients in a tailored dashboard may improve health engagement.