The Effectiveness of Telehealth for Cardiac Symptom Distress, Self-care and Quality of Life of Patients With Coronary Artery Disease After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Randomized Study

Launched by NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Oct 16, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is testing whether telehealth after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) helps patients feel fewer symptoms, take better care of themselves, and have a better overall quality of life, compared with usual discharge care. It’s a randomized trial in Taiwan with about 160 adults aged 18 or older who have had CABG for coronary artery disease. Participants are assigned to either the telehealth group or the usual-care group, and the study will track outcomes before discharge, about 1 week after discharge, and 4 weeks after discharge.

Eligible participants are adults 18+ who can read Chinese, have had CABG, and can use a home ECG device on their phone. Those with significant communication or cognitive problems, or who can’t take care of themselves, are excluded. In the telehealth group, people use a portable ECG device at home, have regular phone check-ins every few days, and have access to 24/7 online counseling. They report daily measurements (like blood pressure, weight, and leg swelling) and receive guidance on medications, exercise, diet, wound care, and referrals as needed. The usual-care group receives standard discharge education and a follow-up phone call about one week after discharge. The study looks mainly at symptom distress, self-care ability, and quality of life, with secondary data such as vital signs. Results aren’t available yet, and personal data will not be shared publicly.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult ≧18 years old
• • Ability to read and answer questionnaires in Chinese.
• • After coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG)
• • Able to install and download the QOCA ECG software on their cell phones
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Inability to communicate effectively and cognitive impairment
• • Unable to take care of themselves or are physically disabled.