On September 12, 2024, an International Guest Lecture on “Telemonitoring and Telemedicine in Heart Failure and Cardiac Rehabilitation” was held, led by Dr. Anggoro Budi Hartopo and Professor Salfator. The session focused on the growing potential of remote monitoring systems and telemedicine in improving heart failure management. Discussions highlighted the need for international collaboration to generate valuable data and enhance patient outcomes through telemonitoring and telemedicine systems, particularly in the Indonesian healthcare setting.
Professor Salfator emphasized the significant role of telemonitoring in patient care, citing its ability to reduce hospitalizations and mortality rates for heart failure patients. The concept of a virtual hospital was introduced, where remote monitoring would be central to managing heart failure patients post-discharge. The meeting also covered integrating patient associations to improve communication between clinicians and patients, ensuring more comprehensive care and support.
The potential of telemedicine in cardiac rehabilitation was also explored, with a particular focus on creating a hybrid rehabilitation model. This model would combine traditional in-hospital care with remote monitoring and supervised rehabilitation at home. Nutritional counseling and daily activity tracking, such as monitoring diet and exercise, were highlighted as critical aspects of long-term cardiac health and recovery.
Looking forward, the Indonesian cardiology community plans to implement telemonitoring and telerehabilitation programs for high-risk heart failure patients. There is also a focus on drafting guidelines for telemedicine practices and creating patient associations to enhance engagement. These initiatives aim to optimize care, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve quality of life for heart failure patients.
