Comparative effectiveness of tele-monitoring of pacemaker versus conventional modality: quality of life at the 6 months of follow-up

Abstract

Background: The use of tele-monitoring (TM) of pacemakers (PM) is limited, and very few studies have focused on their comparative effectiveness. Objectives: Evaluate the effectiveness of TM of PM in comparison with the monitoring performed in hospital (HM). Methods: Controlled, not randomized nor masked clinical trial, with collecting data pre and post-implantation and a follow-up of 6 months. All patients over 18 who were implanted a PM in the study period were selected (n=83), being assigned either to TM (n=30) or to HM (n=53) group. Baseline characteristics and number of visits to the hospital were analysed, and the questionnaires administrated were EuroQol-5D (EQ5D) to evaluate the health-related quality of life and Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) to assess the functional capacity. Results: Groups were similar in baseline characteristics, including EQ5D (TM:0,7299; HM:0,6769) and DASI (TM:21,41; HM:19,99). At 6 months, EQ5D was improved in both groups (EQ5D TM:0,8613; HM:0,8175; p=0,439) still without differences between them. DASI score was similar to baseline. Significant differences were found in number of follow-up transmissions/visits per patient, being lower for TM group (1.57 vs. 1.96; relative reduction 31%; p=0.015). Conclusions: Although tele-monitoring of pacemakers shows a similar effectiveness and safety, it significantly reduces the number of follow-up visits regarding hospital monitoring.