Heart failure decompensation alerts in a patient’s home using an automated, AI-driven, point-of-care device

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a major challenge worldwide and needs continuous monitoring of patients even after hospital discharge. This case report summarises the data collected and experience gained from the first usage of an automated, point-of-care device (Heartfelt device) in a patient’s home in the UK. The device monitors the onset of peripheral oedema and alerts clinicians if an increase in volume outside an expected normal range for the patient is detected. This may provide a reliable method of remotely and automatically monitoring HF patients in the home for those who do not reliably use weighing scales. The device successfully provided data for about 15 months and generated alerts in advance, which supported decisions for the patient’s care. The rate of data acquisition was very high and consistent throughout this period. The patient was satisfied with the device and agreed that it helped in her decision to seek medical attention.

Enhancing Home Monitoring of Patients With Heart Failure: Primary Care Experience With an Autonomous Foot-Measuring Device

“…The passive nature of this device may help explain this sustained high rate of data acquisition, as previously reported. 32 Given the heart failure sub-population that is most regularly readmitted to the hospital, it was important to ensure that this evaluation enrolled representative patients. Indeed, many heart failure studies have strict criteria, with some excluding patients living with dementia or general adherence issues.…”

“…The passive nature of this device may help explain this sustained high rate of data acquisition, as previously reported. 32…”

“…The data collection and processing for the Heartfelt device are fully automated, necessitating no action from patients other than ensuring the device is powered on and continuing with their usual routines. 32 As only 3D images of the barefoot and lower leg are transferred to the cloud for further processing and interpretation, patients experienced minimal privacy concerns.…”

Heart Failure Nurses within the Primary Care Setting

“…[ 30 ] Despite the limitations of cloud-based technologies for patients with decompensated signs and symptoms, due to the difficulty of performing a comprehensive clinical examination remotely, newly developed AI-driven technologies offer potential for supporting objective examinations at home. [ 31 ]Therefore, the HF nurse could use the platform to review patients with more stable signs and symptoms, as well as identify those patients who require an urgent in-person consultation.…”