Interactive Telehealth Solutions for Patients With Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review

Background

As 95% of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) reach adulthood, the focus has shifted from early mortality to long-term morbidity, necessitating regular specialized follow-ups and more emphasis on health promotion. In this regard, telehealth could represent an innovative care method for live supervision and promoting lifestyle changes. This systematic review investigates interactive telehealth solutions including application program interfaces for children and adults with CHD.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) from January 1, 2013, to April 1, 2024, on interactive telehealth solutions for children and adults with CHD.

Results

Of 16 included studies, 9 studies evaluated 318 pediatric patients with diagnosed CHD, 4 studies included 229 pediatric and adult patients with CHD, and 3 studies examined 188 adults. A total of 8 studies investigated teledevices: 5 explored mobile applications and 3 used wearables. Studies assessed telehealth interventions using maximum or peak oxygen consumption for physical performance, questionnaires for health-related quality of life, sleep, and well-being, and tracked emergency visits, intensive care unit stays, and disease complications. Additional measures included infant growth, body weight, and arrhythmias.

Conclusions

The majority of studies indicate that telehealth solutions have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. To ensure medical care for these patients, the implementation of more high-quality, interactive, and live telehealth solutions beyond home monitoring is essential. It could offer the opportunity to promote early prevention strategies, such as improving fitness and behavioral changes while ensuring the safety of each individual.