Effects of Telemonitoring in Adult Heart Failure Patients on Self-care and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review Protocol

Abstract

“This chapter presents the protocol for a systematic review designed to evaluate the effects of telemonitoring interventions in adults with heart failure on self-care behaviours and health-related quality of life. The review will be conducted according to PRISMA 2020 recommendations and a predefined methodology. A comprehensive search strategy will be applied to major bibliographic databases to identify quantitative comparative studies, prioritising randomised controlled trials, that assess telemonitoring (e.g., remote physiological monitoring, symptom tracking, structured follow-up and alerts) versus usual care or alternative models of follow-up. Two reviewers will independently screen studies, extract data and appraise methodological quality/risk of bias using validated tools appropriate to study design. Primary outcomes will include self-care (e.g., maintenance, monitoring and management behaviours) and quality of life; secondary outcomes may include hospitalisations, emergency visits, adherence and mortality, depending on reporting. Where sufficient clinical and methodological homogeneity exists, meta-analysis will be performed; otherwise, results will be synthesised narratively. This protocol aims to ensure transparency and reproducibility and to inform evidence-based implementation of telemonitoring strategies to optimise self-care and quality of life in adults with heart failure.