Improving MEDication Adherence in Chronic Heart Failure Using a TELEmedicine Device (TELEMED-HF)

A Randomized, Controlled Trial Using a TELEmedicine Solution to Improve MEDication Adherence in Chronic Heart Failure (TELEMED-HF)

TELEMED-HF is a randomized, controlled clinical intervention trial designed to: (1) examine the efficacy of an electronic Medication Adherence Support System (MASS) in improving and monitoring patients' medication adherence; to (2) i determine the effect of medication adherence on hospitalization and health care consumption.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stable systolic heart failure
• New York Heart Association functional class II-III, with a decreased pump function (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45%)
• Titrated to the most optimal doses of ACE-inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker, and beta-blocker
• Receiving stable doses of at least 3 heart failure medications (at multiple times during the day) for 1 month with no plans to add or adjust heart failure medications or titrate further in the immediate future.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age younger than 50 years
• Diastolic heart failure (intact pump function)
• Myocardial infarction, invasive treatment (percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)), or hospitalization within 1 month prior to inclusion
• Life-threatening comorbid conditions (e.g., cancer)
• Diminished mental capacities (suspected cognitive decline will be confirmed by a mini mental state examination (MMSE))
• History of psychiatric disorders apart from affective disorders (depression and anxiety disorders)