Using Telemedicine to Monitor the Patient with Chronic Respiratory Failure

Abstract

Background: Advances in management have improved mortality of individuals with chronic respiratory failure (CRF), leading to an increase in need for long-term oxygen therapy and/or ventilatory support. These individuals require frequent visits and monitoring of their physiological parameters as well as of the functioning of their devices, such as ventilators or oxygen concentrators. Telemedicine is a clinical application of Information Communication Technology connecting patients to specialised care consultants. This narrative review aims to explore the current available telemonitoring options for individuals with CRF and reported or potential results. Methods: The research focused on EMBASE, CINALH, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Papers published between 2003 and 2021 in English were considered. Results: Different sensors, transmission devices and systems, and interventions are used with promising but not conclusive clinical results. However, legal problems are still unsolved, and economic advantages for health care systems, although potentially high, are still under debate. Conclusions: Telemonitoring systems for individuals with CRF are increasingly used; with promising results still to be clarified, legal, economical and organisational issues must be defined.