Impact of a primary-based telemonitoring programme in HRQOL, satisfaction and usefulness in a sample of older adults with chronic diseases in Valencia (Spain).

Background: Chronic patients are frequent users of healthcare services and are prone to hospital admissions. In Valencia (Spain) the Valcronic programme aims to manage chronic patients through different levels of telemonitoring and telecare. This paper examines the impact of the Valcronic programme on self-perceived HRQOL in a one-year period and on perceptions of satisfaction and usefulness in a sample of older adults with chronic diseases.

Methods: The sample (n=74) was randomly selected from Valcronic users and was stratified considering different variables. HRQOL was assessed using the EQ-5D questionnaire at two points in time: before the beginning of the Valcronic programme and after a one-year follow-up. Satisfaction and usefulness were evaluated one year after users' inclusion.

Results: The whole sample experienced improvement, although not significant, of its HRQOL; patients over 75 showed impairment. Patients with at least one problem in the EQ-5D dimensions decreased after one year (82.43% vs. 74.32%). Users' perceptions of satisfaction and usefulness were highly positive.

Conclusions: Our sample benefited from the Valcronic programme, experiencing an improvement in their HRQOL, a decreased use of health resources or high satisfaction levels.

Implications: Further adjustments are needed to address a comprehensive response to the needs of the global population of reference.