Effectiveness of nurse-led video monitoring for maintaining self-care in heart failure patients: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

It is well established that video monitoring is effective in promoting self-care among patients with heart failure during the intervention period. However, its long-term impact on sustaining self-care behaviors after discontinuation remains unclear. This article describes a randomized clinical trial protocol designed to assess the effectiveness of a video monitoring strategy in maintaining self-care behaviors in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This is a randomized, parallel trial with blinded outcome assessment. During hospitalization, eligible patients will be invited to participate. Data collection will include sociodemographic and clinical variables, laboratory test results, current medications, and cardiovascular physical examination. Validated instruments will measure clinical congestion, self-care (European HF Self-Care), HF knowledge, treatment adherence, quality of life, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The control group (CG) will receive standard care after discharge. In the intervention group (IG), the discharge summary will be shared with primary healthcare providers (nurse and physician) to facilitate transitional care. IG participants will receive structured video monitoring sessions with specialized cardiovascular nursing support at 7, 30, 60, 180, and 365 days post-discharge, focusing on self-care reinforcement. The primary outcome is the self-care score at one year. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, HF knowledge, treatment adherence, cardiorespiratory fitness, mortality, and hospital readmissions. Unlike mobile-based or voice telemonitoring strategies, video monitoring fosters a stronger connection between patients and healthcare professionals, which may enhance self-care maintenance over time. This approach aligns with personalized nursing interventions, reinforcing education and behavioral changes beyond the intervention period. This study highlights the role of video monitoring in sustaining self-care practices in heart failure management. By strengthening the nurse-patient relationship and promoting long-term adherence, it has the potential to reduce readmissions and mortality rates. Video monitoring may enhance global nursing practices, improving outcomes and quality of life for heart failure patients.