Case Study

Improving patient care via remote monitoring and telehealth for heart failure patients implanted with LVADs

In early 2017, The Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care and Medocity, Inc. partnered to develop a new digital program for managing heart failure patients who have been surgically implanted with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and subsequently discharged from the hospital.

Connected technologies improve health care delivery by simplifying communication between providers and patients, remotely managing patient care in high-risk populations. Patients with heart failure who undergo LVAD implantation typically require frequent monitoring and medical follow-up due to increased risk for severe complications and hospital readmissions ($35,000 average cost per occurrence^1/). Thus, the aim was to develop a new program employing remote monitoring and telehealth to improve post-discharge patient care and oversight, while also providing patients easy access to the Montefiore care team.

Medocity provided its industry leading Virtual Care Management Platform, co-branded as The Montefiore LVAD Portal and specifically configured with Montefiore’s clinical protocols, guidelines and patient support resources.  Montefiore is currently conducting an IRB-approved study of the virtual care at home model to monitor progress of patients implanted with a CF-LVAD and to compare readmission incidence and profile of patients with historical control. 

In early 2017, The Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care and Medocity, Inc. partnered to develop a new digital program for managing heart failure patients who have been surgically implanted with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and subsequently discharged from the hospital.

Connected technologies improve health care delivery by simplifying communication between providers and patients, remotely managing patient care in high-risk populations. Patients with heart failure who undergo LVAD implantation typically require frequent monitoring and medical follow-up due to increased risk for severe complications and hospital readmissions ($35,000 average cost per occurrence^1/). Thus, the aim was to develop a new program employing remote monitoring and telehealth to improve post-discharge patient care and oversight, while also providing patients easy access to the Montefiore care team.

Medocity provided its industry leading Virtual Care Management Platform, co-branded as The Montefiore LVAD Portal and specifically configured with Montefiore’s clinical protocols, guidelines and patient support resources.  Montefiore is currently conducting an IRB-approved study of the virtual care at home model to monitor progress of patients implanted with a CF-LVAD and to compare readmission incidence and profile of patients with historical control. 

Challenge

LVAD patients require close medical follow-up after leaving the hospital. Montefiore is seeking to improve post-discharge care with a new clinical program employing remote monitoring and telehealth.

Solution

Montefiore partnered with Medocity, Inc. to launch the Montefiore LVAD portal, a specially configured version of Medocity’s industry leading Virtual Care Management Platform.

Study Design

Patients undergoing primary LVAD implantation were trained and supplied with a tablet and pre-loaded application upon discharge and subsequently followed over a 6- month period to assess utilization, satisfaction and readmissions rates.

Results/Benefits

1. Lower hospital readmissions
2. Enhanced patient engagement
3. Improved patient self-care
4. Higher patient satisfaction
5. Increased access to care