Concept for Visualisation of Guideline Adherence of Medication Prescriptions in a Heart Failure Telehealth System.

BACKGROUND Heart failure is a chronic disease that affects around 26 million people worldwide. Projections assume a substantial increase in prevalence over the next years. To improve the survival rate and quality of life in patients suffering from heart failure, the European Society of Cardiology published guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Adherence of healthcare professionals' medication prescriptions with regard to these guidelines is critical for optimal outcomes. METHODS Data from the conceptional phase of the existing disease management network 'HerzMobil Tirol' were analysed. Prescriptions and patient- reported intake data of the four major substances of recommended heart failure medication were used to calculate the relative prescribed doses as a percentage of the recommended target doses. A concept for visualisation of the prescription status was developed in cooperation with health professionals. RESULTS The documented prescriptions were analysed and used to develop a mock-up in order to visualise the prescription status for the individual patient. CONCLUSION Analysis and visualisation can be managed by displaying the calculated daily relative dose per substance group in a traffic light system.