On June 15, 2023, a second transnational meeting was held in Styria, bringing together experts to discuss the progress of integrated care for patients with chronic heart failure. The focus was on the HerzMobil program, a telemedicine solution developed in close collaboration with the Digital Health group of the AIT Center for Health and Bioresources and now successfully integrated into standard care in the first provinces. The event also served to share experiences and update a joint position paper emphasizing the importance of integrated care.
The meeting on June 15, 2023 offered a unique opportunity for experts from all over Austria to exchange information about the current state of integrated care for heart failure patients. Representatives from almost all provinces met with experts from the Austrian healthcare system to discuss the latest results of the HerzMobil program as well as future technological innovations. AIT was represented by Elke Guenther, Head of Center for Health and Bioresources, and Anton Dunzendorfer, Head of the AIT Digital Health Group, and his team. The event, organized by the Health Fund Styria, led to the update of a joint position paper highlighting the importance of integrated care for the chronically ill.
Study confirms: HerzMobil is effective
The HerzMobil program, which was first launched as a project in 2012 and has been successfully implemented in regular care in Tyrol since 2017, has demonstrated significant added value for patients. A study from Tyrol confirms the effectiveness of the HerzMobil program. Compared to standard care, a significant reduction in mortality and hospitalization rates was observed in patients with heart failure. The absolute risk reduction in twelve months for death is 16% (for relative risk reduction it is 65%). For hospital readmission, the absolute risk reduction at six months is nine percent (the relative risk reduction here is 39%).
A central aspect of the HerzMobil program is to support patients in self-monitoring their health status. The daily recording of vital signs, such as blood pressure, weight and heart rate, enables early detection of deterioration. At the same time, it promotes awareness of the disease and supports patients in actively participating in their treatment. Communication between patients and medical staff takes place via a secure platform, ensuring continuous monitoring and adjustment of therapy.
Data recorded by patients in ELGA for the first time
The integration of the HerzMobil program into the ELGA (Electronic Health Record) system opens up additional opportunities for seamless collaboration between the various players in the healthcare system. With access to comprehensive medical data, primary care physicians and specialists can provide individualized treatment for patients with heart failure and respond to changes at an early stage.
The meeting and cross-national exchange demonstrated the growing interest and importance of integrated care for heart failure patients. The expansion of the HerzMobil program in Styria is a further step to enable even more patients to access this telemedical solution. The positive results and future developments of the HerzMobil program give reason to hope for an improved quality of life and more effective care for patients with chronic heart failure. Telemedicine and telecare solutions play an important role in the further development of the healthcare system.