Remote Monitoring Devices Research Articles

Method of Optical Diagnostics of Grain Seeds Infected with Fusarium

Optical sensors have shown good capabilities for detecting and monitoring plant diseases, including fusariosis. The spectral characteristics of the excitation and luminescence of wheat, oat and barley seeds were measured using a diffraction spectrofluorimeter in the range of 180–700 nm. It was found that during infection, the spectral density of the absorption capacity increases and the curve ηe(λ) shifts upwards in the range of 380–450 nm. The shift to the left is also noticeable for the wheat and barley spectra. The photoluminescence flux at λe = 232 nm increased by 1.71 times when oat seeds were infected, by 2.63 times when wheat was infected and by 3.14 times when barley was infected. The dependences of the infection degree on the photoluminescence flux are statistically and reliably approximated by linear regression models with determination coefficients R2 = 0.83–0.95. The method of determining the degree of infection can include both absolute measurements of photoluminescence flux in the range of 290–380 nm and measurements of the flux ratios when excited by radiation of 232 nm and 424 nm for wheat and 485 nm for barley. An optoelectronic device for remote monitoring can be designed in order to implement the methodology for determining the degree of infection of agricultural plant seeds.

Participants' Perspectives of Their Involvement in Medical Device Trials: A Focus Groups Study.

Medical technologies have the potential to improve quality and efficiency of healthcare. The design of clinical trials should consider participants' perspectives to optimise enrolment, engagement and satisfaction. This study aims to assess patients' perceptions of their involvement in medical device trials, to inform the designs of future medical technology implementation and evaluation. Four focus groups were undertaken with a total of 16 participants who had participated in a study testing hospital inpatient remote monitoring devices. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and underwent thematic analysis. Four main themes emerged: patients' motivations for participating in medical device research; patients' perceptions of technology in medicine; patients' understanding of trial methodology; and patients' perceptions of the benefits of involvement in medical device trials. The appeal of new technology is a contributing factor to the decision to consent, although concerns remain regarding risks associated with technology in healthcare settings. Perceived benefits of participating in device trials include extra care, social benefits and comradery with other participants seen using the devices, although there is a perceived lack of confidence in using technology amongst older patients. Future device trials should prioritise information sharing with participants both before and after the trial. Verbal and written information alongside practical demonstrations can help to combat a lack of confidence with technology. Randomised trials and those with placebo- or sham-controlled arms should not be considered as barriers to participation. Study results should be disseminated to participants in lay format as soon as possible, subject to participant permission.

Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on arrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in southern Italy.

BackgroundThe effects of lockdown on non‐COVID patients are varied and unexpected. The aim is to evaluate the burden of cardiac arrhythmias during a lockdown period because of COVID‐19 pandemics in a population implanted with cardiac defibrillators and followed by remote monitoring.MethodsIn this retrospective, multicentre cohort study, we included 574 remotely monitored implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator (CRT‐D) recipients implanted before January 1, 2019, at seven hospitals in the Campania region, comparing the burden of arrhythmias occurred during the lockdown period because of COVID‐19 epidemics (from March 9 to May 1, 2020) with the arrhythmias burden of the corresponding period in 2019 (reference period). Data collection was performed through remote monitoring.ResultsDuring the lockdown period, we observed ventricular tachyarrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation) in 25 (4.8%) patients while in seasonal reference period we documented ventricular tachyarrhythmias in 12 (2.3%) patients; the comparison between the periods is statistically significant (P < .04). Atrial arrhythmias were detected in 38 (8.2%) subjects during the lockdown period and in 24 (5.2%) during the reference period (P < .004).ConclusionIn seven hospitals in the Campania region, during the pandemic lockdown period, we observed a higher burden of arrhythmic events in ICD/CRT‐D patients through device remote monitoring.

Horizons in Single-Lead ECG Analysis From Devices to Data

Single-lead wearable electrocardiographic (ECG) devices for remote monitoring are emerging as critical components of the viability of long-term continuous health and wellness monitoring applications. These sensors make it simple to monitor chronically ill patients and the elderly in long-term care homes, as well as empower users focused on fitness and wellbeing with timely health and lifestyle information and metrics. This article addresses the future developments in single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) wearables, their design concepts, signal processing, machine learning (ML), and emerging healthcare applications. A literature review of multiple wearable ECG remote monitoring devices is first performed; Apple Watch, Kardia, Zio, BioHarness, Bittium Faros and Carnation Ambulatory Monitor. Zio showed the longest wear time with patients wearing the patch for 14 days maximum but required users to mail the device to a processing center for analysis. While the Apple Watch and Kardia showed good quality acquisition of raw ECG but are not continuous monitoring devices. The design considerations for single-lead ECG wearable devices could be classified as follows: power needs, computational complexity, signal quality, and human factors. These dimensions shadow hardware and software characteristics of ECG wearables and can act as a checklist for future single-lead ECG wearable designs. Trends in ECG de-noising, signal processing, feature extraction, compressive sensing (CS), and remote monitoring applications are later followed to show the emerging opportunities and recent innovations in single-lead ECG wearables.

Patient Perception When Transitioning from Classic to Remote Assisted Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Cardiac rehabilitation is an individualized outpatient program of physical exercises and medical education designed to accelerate recovery and improve health status in heart disease patients. In this study, we aimed for assessment of patients’ perception of the involvement of technology and remote monitoring devices in cardiac recovery. During the Living Lab Phase of the Virtual Coaching Activities for Rehabilitation in Elderly (vCare) project, we evaluated eleven patients (five heart failure patients and six ischemic heart disease patients). Patient admission in the UMFCD cardiology clinical department served as a shared inclusion criterion for both study groups. In addition, the presence of II or III heart failure NYHA stage status was considered an inclusion criterion for the heart failure study group and patients diagnosed with ischemic heart disease for the second one. We conducted a system usability survey to assess the patients’ perception of the system’s technical and medical functions. The survey had excellent preliminary results in the heart failure study group and good results in the ischemic heart disease group. The limited access of patients to cardiac rehabilitation in Romania has led to increased interest and motivation in this study. The final version of the product is designed to adapt to patient needs and necessities; therefore, patient perception is necessary.

Modern methods of remote monitoring and rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases

Highlights. The review summarizes the latest achievements in the field of remote patient monitoring, highlights the main advantages and limitations of modern methods of remote monitoring and rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases.Abstract. Devices for remote health monitoring and rehabilitation that use modern telemedicine technologies are becoming more and more widespread in cardiovascular disease management. Modern technologies are affordable and reliable assistants for healthcare professionals, they assist in monitoring patients “at home”, early detection of adverse events, and timely notification of the need for medical help. The review summarizes the latest achievements in the field of remote patient monitoring for ambulatory management, diagnostics, dynamic monitoring, and cardiac rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases. The main advantages and limitations of remote patient monitoring technologies are presented, and methods for the implementation of these technologies are discussed.

Continuum of Care: Positioning of the Virtual Hospital.

IntroductionPatients with multiple chronic diseases suffer from reduced life expectancy. Care for these patients is often divided over multiple healthcare professionals. eHealth might help to integrate care for these patients and create a continuum. It is the primary purpose of this paper to describe an intervention that integrates first, second, and third line care in patients with multiple chronic conditions using remote monitoring, remote therapy and data automatization, all integrated in a virtual care center (VCC).MethodsPatients diagnosed with three or more chronic conditions are included and given smartphone compatible devices for remote monitoring and a tablet for video consultations. Patients will be followed-up by the VCC, consisting of nurses who will coordinate care, supervised by general practitioners and medical specialists. Data is reviewed on a daily basis and patients are contacted on a weekly basis. Review of data is automated by computer algorithms. Patients are contacted in case of outcome abnormalities in the data. Patients can contact the VCC at any time. Follow-up of the study is 1 year.ResultsThe primary outcome of this study is the median number of nights admitted to the hospital per patient compared to the hospitalization data 12 months before enrolment. Secondary outcomes include all-cause mortality, event free survival, quality of life and satisfaction with technology and care.ConclusionThis study presents the concept of a VCC that integrates first, second, and third line care into a virtual ward using remote monitoring and video consultation.

Live capture and handling of Taiwanese leopard cats Prionailurus bengalensis: an evaluation of trap designs and capture protocol

Behavioural and ecological studies often require capture and handling of animals for marking or collaring. Cage traps, in various designs, are commonly used for live‐capture of small mammals. Apart from costs and practicality, trap designs need to balance trap success and safety for the trapped animal. Inevitably, trapping and handling causes stress for the animals involved and can even result in injury or mortality. To optimise trap methods, it is important to share experiences. In this study, we describe our trapping and handling protocol for leopard cat, an elusive small felid which can be challenging to trap. We determine which factors influence trap success and compare three custom made cage trap designs: aviary‐, box‐ and side‐traps. We found that trap chance was affected by trap design, location and seasonality but, despite being causes of leopard cat mortality, not by human or domestic dog presence. The side‐trap provided the best tradeoff between trap success and safety, and was economic and easy to handle. Sacrificing live‐bait was unnecessary to successfully trap leopard cats. More male than female leopard cats visited the traps, resulting in a sex‐bias in trapped individuals. Due to a long response time, especially when continuous trap monitoring was absent, the time between leopard cat capture and release was &gt; 10 h (mean ± SE = 16:18 ± 01:57 h). We therefore recommend to always use remote continuous monitoring devices when trapping animals. Although not related to drug dosage, recovery time was negatively related to the distance leopard cats moved after release, whereas total time between capture and release was not. To minimize exposure to human and domestic dog related threats, we released leopard cats after nightfall within their natural 18:00–06:00 h activity time, and only released individuals once fully responsive, which took &gt; 4 h.

Heart Failure Patients’ Adherence to Hybrid Comprehensive Telerehabilitation and Its Impact on Prognosis Based on Data from TELEREH-HF Randomized Clinical Trial

(1) Background Adherence to treatment guidelines in heart failure (HF) patients is of major prognostic importance, but thorough implementation of guidelines in routine care remains insufficient. Introducing hybrid comprehensive telerehabilitation (HCTR) consisting of telecare, telerehabilitation, and remote monitoring of implantable devices might be an option to improve adherence to recommendation and can affect the prognosis. The purpose is to investigate the association of adherence to HCTR with mortality and hospitalization. (2) Methods This analysis formed part of TELEREH-HF multi-center, randomized trial that enrolled 850HF patients (NYHA I-III;LVEF ≤ 40%). Patients were randomized 1:1 to 9-week HCTR (1 week in hospital and 8 weeks at home) plus usual care or usual care only and followed-up for 14 to 26 months. This analysis focuses on the HCTR group. Adherent patients were those who adhered both to the number of training sessions prescribed and to the duration of the prescribed cycle by at least 80%; non-adherent patients were those who adhered&lt;20% to the prescribed number of training sessions and their duration. The remaining patients were classified as partially adherent. (3) Results There were 350 (88.4%) adherent patients, 39 (9.8%) partially adherent patients, and 7 (1.8%) non-adherent patients. There were 46 deaths during follow-up. Non-adherence or partial adherence was associated with higher risk of cardiovascular (CV) mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.62, p = 0.021); all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization (HR = 1.71, p = 0.038); CV mortality or HF hospitalization (HR = 1.89, p = 0.014). (4) Conclusions The adherence to HCTR was high. Adherence to HCTR was associated with improved prognosis for CV mortality and the reduction in the combined outcome of CV mortality or HF hospitalization.

Utilization of a Smart Sock for the Remote Monitoring of Patients With Peripheral Neuropathy: Cross-sectional Study of a Real-world Registry.

BackgroundRemote patient monitoring (RPM) devices are increasingly being used in caring for patients to reduce risks of complications. Temperature monitoring specifically has been shown in previous studies to provide a useful signal of inflammation that may help prevent foot ulcers.ObjectiveIn this cross-sectional study, we evaluated utilization data for patients who were prescribed smart socks as remote temperature monitoring devices.MethodsThis study evaluated data from a patient registry from January to July 2021. The utilization data, which were collected starting from the first full month since patients were prescribed the smart socks, were evaluated along with retention over time, the average time that the socks were worn, and the number of days that the socks were worn per month and per week.ResultsA total of 160 patients wore the smart sock RPM device for 22 to 25 days per month on average. The retention rate was 91.9% (147/160) at the end of the 7-month period; a total of 13 patients were lost to follow-up during this period. The average number of days that the socks were worn per week was 5.8. The percentage of patients with a utilization rate of >15 days ranged from 79.7% (106/133) to 91.9% (125/136) each month.ConclusionsThis study shows a high level of utilization for a smart sock RPM device and a high compliance rate. A future prospective study on the clinical outcomes after the use of the smart socks may further solidify the idea of conducting temperature monitoring for foot ulcer prevention.

Early evaluation of atrial high rate episodes using remote monitoring in pacemaker patients: Results from the RAPID study.

AimRemote monitoring (RM) of implantable cardiac devices has enabled continuous surveillance of atrial high rate episodes (AHREs) with well‐recognized clinical benefits. We aimed to add evidence on the role of the RM as compared to conventional follow‐up by investigating the interval from AHRE onset to physician’s evaluation and reaction time in actionable episodes.Methods and ResultsA total of 97 dual‐chamber pacemaker recipients were followed with RM (RM‐ON group; N = 64) or conventional in‐office visits (RM‐OFF group; N = 33) for 18 months. In‐office visits were scheduled at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months in the RM‐OFF group and at 1 and 18 months in the RM‐ON group. The overall AHRE rate was 1.98 per patient‐year (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.76–2.20) with no difference between the two groups (RM‐ON vs. RM‐OFF weighted‐HR, 0.88; CI, 0.36–2.13; p = .78). In the RM‐ON group, 100% AHREs evaluated within 11 days from onset, and within 202 days in the RM‐OFF group, with a median evaluation delay 79 days shorter in the RM‐ON group versus the RM‐OFF group (p < .0001). Therapy adjustment in actionable AHREs occurred 77 days earlier in the RM‐ON group versus the control group (p < .001). In the RM‐ON group, there were 50% less in‐office visits as compared to the RM‐OFF group (p < .001).ConclusionsIn our pacemaker population with no history of atrial fibrillation, RM allowed significant reduction of AHRE evaluation delay and prompted treatment of actionable episodes as compared to biannual in‐office visit schedule.

How to Predict Parturition in Cattle? A Literature Review of Automatic Devices and Technologies for Remote Monitoring and Calving Prediction.

Simple SummaryCattle farming is progressively facing an increase in the number of animals that farmers must care for, resulting in decreasing time for observation of the single cow. A large amount of the scientific literature has been published concerning remote automatic devices and machine learning technologies for continuous monitoring of animal behavior and health status, including sensors for calving prediction This review summarizes the current status of the art concerning available automatic devices for the identification of the beginning of calving.Cattle farming is facing an increase in number of animals that farmers must care for, together with decreasing time for observation of the single animal. Remote monitoring systems are needed in order to optimize workload and animal welfare. Where the presence of personnel is constant, for example in dairy farms with great number of lactating cows or with three milking/day, calving monitoring systems which send alerts during the prodromal stage of labor (stage I) could be beneficial. On the contrary, where the presence of farm personnel is not guaranteed, for example in smaller farms, systems which alert at the beginning of labor (stage II) could be preferred. In this case, time spent observing periparturient animals is reduced. The reliability of each calving alarm should also be considered: automatic sensors for body temperature and activity are characterized by a time interval of 6–12 h between the alarm and calving. Promising results have been shown by devices which could be placed within the vaginal canal, thus identifying the beginning of fetal expulsion and optimizing the timing of calving assistance. However, some cases of non-optimal local tolerability and cow welfare issues are reported. Future research should be aimed to improve Sensitivity (Se), Specificity (Sp) and Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of calving alert devices in order to decrease the number of false positive alarms and focusing on easy-to-apply, re-usable and well tolerated products.

The first survey on patient needs for remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic device in South Korea

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background/Aims: Studies showed that remote device monitoring reduced unnecessary outpatient visits and increased patient satisfaction. As there was no local research on remote monitoring (RM) in Korea, there was a lack of evidence for policy or insurance standards due to the lack of domestic data despite high demand by domestic arrhythmia experts. In order to establish the basis for patient satisfaction, economic efficiency, and safety of wireless monitoring, a survey-based study was planned. Methods This was a single-university hospital survey. The satisfaction index was evaluated using a questionnaire to investigate patient satisfaction in outpatient clinics, economic efficiency (measured as home-to-clinic time, waiting time, and actual clinic time), and demand for RM in patients with implantable cardiac devices. The questionnaire was adopted and modified from the Survey on Telehealth Patient Experience by Bas-Villalobos, 2006 (modified Korean version 2.0 by You Mi Hwang, 2020). Results Surveys were answered by 171 patients. The mean age of these patients was 71.2 ± 12.4 years. Based on the survey, home to clinic time was usually less than one h, mean waiting time in the hospital until clinic time ranged 42.6 ± 24.5 min, and mean clinic time ranged 3.1 ± 1.7 minutes. Based on the survey, patients favored RM over hospital visits with cardiac implantable electronic device follow-up mainly because of long travel times from home to clinic. Conclusions Based on the survey results, there is a clear need for RM in patients who have cardiac implantable electronic devices.

Abstract TP90: Challenges Implementing An Innovative Home Health Evaluations And Active Living Program

Introduction: Approximately 50% of stroke patients are discharged to home from the hospital. Post stroke transitional care is fragmented and unorganized leading to poor patient outcomes, hospital readmissions, decreased functional status, and increased caregiver burden. We discuss our experience implementing a multidisciplinary team-based post stroke transitional telehealth program. Methods: Acute stroke patients discharged home were invited to participate in a 90-day telehealth program, iHEAL, upon discharge. Inclusion criteria included 2 or more uncontrolled risk factors requiring medication management, two or more therapy needs, WiFi at home, knowledge of technology, and agreement to follow up with iHEAL program providers. Patients were discharged with remote monitoring devices (blood pressure monitor, medication adherence device) and an iPad for telehealth visits with the stroke NP and both the neurology pharmacist and therapists. Surveys were completed by participants during and after completion of the program. Results: Of approximately 167 patients discharged home within the initial 9 months, 6 patients enrolled in iHEAL. The most common reasons for ineligibility were lack of two therapy needs and lack of two risk factors in need of medication adjustment excluding 69% of patients when combined in addition to limited internet access in the home. There have been no readmissions. Medications were scanned 50% of the time. Blood pressure readings were maintained or decreased for all patients. Telehealth visit completion: 50% NP, 40% Pharmacist , 40% PT, 20% OT and 40% SLP. Most reported feeling comfortable using the iHEAL equipment (80%) and 100% reported satisfaction with the program and would recommend to others. Conclusion: Enrollment in iHEAL has been unexpectedly difficult due to overly stringent enrollment criteria and limited broadband internet access in Central Virginia and surrounding regions. These difficulties led to changing criteria in Month 10 to one therapy need and removing the requirement for medication management of the two identified risk factors. Follow up data to be included in final presentation.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators and devices for cardiac resynchronization therapy: what perspective for patients’ apps combined with remote monitoring?

ABSTRACT Introduction Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) allows rapid detection of clinical and electrical events. Recently, several smartphone applications have been developed with the aim of improving patient compliance and better interpreting and integrating data deriving from remote control for the management of heart failure (HF). Areas covered Studies investigating the role of CIEDs’ RM in HF patients to predict and early treat acute decompensation. The importance of new technologies and applications developed to provide crucial information to clinicians, to better manage HF patients. Expert opinion New medical technologies and smartphone applications for CIEDs’ RM were developed to help clinicians in the management of CIED carriers. Indeed, the accessibility of technological devices (e.g. smartphones) and the improvements in medical technology provide the opportunity to optimize HF patients’ monitoring by the transmission of device-related data, and with direct involvement of patients themselves. Thanks to these advancements, physicians have the possibility to recognize worsening signs of HF and promptly optimize treatments to potentially avoid hospitalization. The great value of this approach is its potential of reducing scheduled in-office visits or unnecessary medical contacts and optimizing healthcare resources management.

“HEALTHCARE 2021”

The International Forum "Healthcare 2021" was held in the Year of Science and Technology. More than 450 companies from 20 countries demonstrated their products. Modern medical equipment of the highest level was presented: X-ray machines, computed tomographs, ultrasound diagnostic devices, endoscopes, cardiographs, remote temperature monitoring devices, medical instruments and much more. The business program was devoted to the problems of today in medicine and the wider involvement of young scientists and students of medical universities in their solution.

Challenges in managing a remote monitoring device clinic.

BackgroundRecent advances in remote cardiac monitoring technology have created new challenges for clinicians and staff working in device clinics who are left processing large volumes of data. Often, this process is fractured and inefficient, with occurrence of unnecessary alerts that strain staff time and resources.ObjectiveThe purpose of this survey was to identify challenges allied health professional clinicians and staff encounter when managing a remote monitoring device clinic.MethodsA 27-item mixed methods survey was developed using a Qualtrics-encrypted, anonymous Web survey tool. Demographic information and questions rating satisfaction level for remote device clinic issues were obtained using a 5-point Likert scale. Three open-ended questions were included that addressed challenges and successes in managing a remote monitoring clinic and served as a method for identifying common themes.ResultsMajor themes identified were poor connectivity, staffing issues, and large volume of alerts. Approximately 50% of respondents were either satisfied or unsatisfied with issues surrounding managing remote monitoring device clinics. Strategies for success included optimizing alerts, assigning designated staff, and partnering with third-party platforms.ConclusionThis survey confirms these issues as an opportunity for industry and digital health leaders to determine best practices for incorporating these technologies into patient care.

Remote Patient Monitoring for Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Scoping Review of Current Trends and Future Perspectives from Recent Publications and Upcoming Clinical Trials.

Introduction:Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring are rapidly growing fields. This scoping review provides an update on remote patient monitoring for neuropsychiatric disorders from recent publications and upcoming clinical trials.Methods:Publications (PubMed and ICHUSHI; published January 2010 to February 2021) and trials (ClinicalTrials.gov and Japanese registries; active or recruiting by March 2021) that assessed wearable devices for remote management and/or monitoring of patients with neuropsychiatric disorders were searched. The review focuses on disorders with ≥3 publications.Results:We identified 44 publications and 51 active or recruiting trials, mostly from 2019 or 2020. Research on digital devices was most common for Parkinson's disease (11 publications and 19 trials), primarily for monitoring motor symptoms and/or preventing falls. Other disorders (3–5 publications each) included epilepsy (electroencephalogram [EEG] and seizure prediction), sleep disorder (sleep outcomes and behavioral therapies), multiple sclerosis (physical activity and symptoms), depression (physical activity, symptoms, and behavioral therapies), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (symptoms). Very few studies focused on newly emerging technologies (e.g., in-ear EEG and portable oximeters), and few studies integrated remote symptom monitoring with telemedicine.Discussion:Currently, development of digital devices for daily symptom monitoring is focused on Parkinson's disease. For the diseases reviewed, studies mostly focused on physical activity rather than psychiatric or nonmotor symptoms. Although the validity and usefulness of many devices are established, models for implementing remote patient monitoring in telehealth settings have not been established.Conclusions:Verification of the clinical effectiveness of digital devices combined with telemedicine is needed to further advance remote patient care for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Relationship between physical capacity and depression in heart failure patients undergoing hybrid comprehensive telerehabilitation vs. usual care: subanalysis from the TELEREH-HF Randomized Clinical Trial.

The hybrid comprehensive telerehabilitation (HCTR) consisting of telecare (with psychological telesupport), telerehabilitation, and remote monitoring of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices might be an option to improve both physical capacity and depressive symptoms. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of HCTR on depressive symptoms and physical capacity in heart failure (HF) patients in comparison with usual care (UC). The present analysis formed part of a multicentre, randomized trial that enrolled 850 HF patients (New York Heart Association I-III, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40%). Patients were randomized 1:1 to HCTR or UC. Patients underwent an HCTR programme (1 week in hospital and 8 weeks at home; exercise training 5 times weekly) or UC with observation. The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) score (cut point for depression ≥ 14) was used to assess depression and the physical capacity was measured by peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2; mL/kg/min). Measurements were made before and after 9-week intervention/observation (HCTR/UC group). Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. In HCTR group, at entry, 23% of the sample obtained BDI-II scores ≥14 vs. 27.5% in UC group. There were no significant differences between groups regarding ΔBDI-II score (P = 0.992) after 9-week HCTR/UC. There was a significant improvement in physical capacity only in the HCTR group in both patients with (P = 0.033) and without (P &lt; 0.001) depression. In HF patients, HCTR provided similar reduction of depressive symptoms as UC. HCTR resulted in a significant improvement in physical capacity in patients with and without depression.

Evaluation of respiratory rate monitoring performance using a home oxygen monitoring device among patients with interstitial lung disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background:Home monitoring devices have been developed to measure adherence to home oxygen therapy. In this study, we evaluated the performance of TeleOx®, a commercially available remote monitoring device, in comparison with polysomnography (PSG) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the factors that affected TeleOx® correct use.Methods:TeleOx® was connected on the patient or concentrator side. The oxygen flow rates were set at 1, 3, and 5 L/min. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (2,1) was used to determine the agreement between respiratory rate measured using TeleOx® and that measured using PSG, and the minimum acceptable level of reliability was >0.7.Results:In total, 22 patients (16 with ILD and 6 with COPD) were assessed. In patients with ILD, the detection rate of patients’ respiration assessed using TeleOx® did not change according to the device’s position. It increased from 53.5% to 79.0% by changing the position from the concentrator to the patient side in patients with COPD. The ICC (2,1) value indicated that TeleOx® had acceptable reliability at oxygen flow rates of 1 and 3 L/min regardless of the device’s position in patients with ILD (the concentrator side: 0.9 and 0.82, respectively; the patient side: 0.95 and 0.82, respectively), whereas that did only at the oxygen flow rate of 1 L/min and in connecting TeleOx® on the patient side in patients with COPD (0.73).Conclusion:The monitoring performance of TeleOx® differed according to its position, oxygen flow rates, and patients’ diseases.