Clearing the way through telemedicine: visualizing and analyzing patient flow and challenges in heart failure telemonitoring

Aim This study aims to explore the implementation steps, challenges, and optimization strategies for telemonitoring in the management of patients with heart failure, a method that holds promise for improving clinical outcomes and reducing healthcare system burdens. Subject and methods A mixed-methods approach was employed, comprising semi-structured interviews with international physicians and an online survey conducted with German telemedicine centers. The research focused on the examination of patient flow processes and identifying barriers to effective telemonitoring, particularly in organizational structures and patient engagement. Results The findings outline clear phases of patient flow in telemonitoring and reveal significant challenges, especially concerning patient involvement and operational management. Key areas for improvement were identified, including workflow standardization, optimization of resource allocation, and process efficiency enhancements. Conclusion Addressing the outlined challenges and leveraging technological advancements can make telemonitoring a vital component of heart failure management. This approach could lead to reduced hospital readmissions, enhanced clinical outcomes, and significant improvements in patients’ quality of life.