Development and testing of a text messaging (SMS) monitoring software application for acute decompensated heart failure patients

OBJECTIVE: to develop and test an SMS monitoring software application for patients with acute decompensated heart failure. METHOD: the waterfall model was used for software development. All expected functionalities were defined, program modules were codified and tests were done so as to ensure good performance by the software application. Ten patients participated in the prototype test. RESULTS: the system sends two types of messages: questions that should be answered by patients and unilateral educational reinforcements. In addition, the system generates alarms in case of no response or according to a flow chart to detect congestion in the patient previously created by the team. Of the 264 SMS texts sent, 247 were answered. The alarm was triggered seven times: three patients woke up with shortness of breath for two consecutive nights, and four patients felt more fatigued for two consecutive days. All patients took the prescribed medications during follow-up. The study nurse guided the patients who generated alarms in the system. CONCLUSION: the SMS software application was successfully developed and a high response rate and preliminary evidence of improvements in self-management of HF were observed. With this regard, telehealth is a promising alternative in the treatment of chronic diseases