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Background: In the last decades, the introduction of information and communications technology (ICT) in healthcare promised an improved quality of care while reducing work load, and resulting in a more cost-effective system. These goals might be realised by the use of computerised disease management systems (DMS) and telemedicine (TM). Aim: This case study describes the potential of a computerised disease management system in combination with telemonitoring in a patient with chronic heart failure (HF) who was frequently readmitted to the hospital. Methods: During a period of 10 months we followed and treated a male patient (age, 50, LVEF 29%) after five HF hospitalisations within six months. Therefore we used an ICT-guided DMS, in combination with TM. Predefined ranges of weight, blood pressure and heart rate were formulated. In case of serious deviated measures at home, the HF nurse was immediately informed by SMS and E-mail. With an interactive system (health monitor) the patient answered questions about his condition, including HF symptoms. In case of slight deviation of the predefined ranges, without an increase of HF symptoms, the patient gets an automatic generated advice on actions that must be taken.

Background: Chronic heart failure (HF) is a rapidly increasing epidemic with high mortality and high morbidity, leading to increasing healthcare costs. Although guidelines for the management of HF are clear, the quality of care for HF patients can still be improved. Disease management systems implemented in smart ICT solutions and telemedicine are expected to improve quality of care and to reduce costs. Aim: To investigate the effect of information and communications technology (ICT) guided disease management (DM) and telemedicine (TM) on the quality and efficiency of care in patients with HF after a hospitalisation for HF. Methods: The IN TOUCH study (innovative ICT guided disease management combined with telemonitoring in outpatient clinics for chronic heart failure patients) is a multicentre study in which 10 Dutch hospitals are participating. Patients are randomised to DM alone (n=75) or DM with TM (n=150). Total follow-up will be nine months. Primary endpoint of the study is a composite score of: (1) death from any cause during the follow-up of the study, (2) first re-admission for HF, and (3) change in quality of life compared to baseline, assessed by the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire.