Understanding adherence to the CardioMEMS pulmonary artery pressure monitoring system for heart failure: A qualitative study

Abstract Background The CardioMEMS HF system is a remote monitoring device that allows patients to transmit pulmonary artery pressure readings to providers, who are alerted when pressures increase above the patient's normal threshold. Objectives The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of patient adherence to the CardioMEMS system and to compare patients’ self-reported use of the system with actual adherence. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients who had a CardioMEMS device. Transcripts were analyzed using a combination of structural and process coding. Results Patients engaged with the CardioMEMS system in a reciprocal manner, continually learning from the feedback provided by the system. Self-concept influenced the way that patients adhere. Conclusions Patients experience many benefits of the CardioMEMS system; however, it is not clear that these perceived or real benefits affect how a person adheres. Rather, our findings suggest that a person's self-concept may be a better predictor of adherence to telemonitoring systems.