Impact of a virtual cardiology programme for postdischarge patients with cardiovascular disease: a matched cohort analysis

Introduction Telemedicine programmes have shown promise in reducing hospital readmissions, but varied RPM strategies and study populations have contributed to mixed results. Here, we evaluate a standardised virtual care programme in discharged patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods We conducted an open-label prospective randomised study on discharged patients with known CVD comparing those who received a 100-day postdischarge virtual cardiology programme with individuals receiving standard cardiology care. The care programme consisted of telemedicine, RPM and medication titration. The study included patients recently followed by a partnering cardiology practice. Intervention patients with low engagement and late postdischarge onboarding were excluded from analysis. Control patients were matched 1:1 to the intervention patients. Readmission data were collected using an admission notification system. Statistical significance at 90 days was established via Cox proportional hazard analysis. Results The matched cohort included 95 patients each in the intervention and control groups, aged 69 years, enrolled February 2021–May 2022. Intervention patients had on average 10.1 visits and 4.3 medication changes. Relative to controls, intervention patients had significantly lower rates of cardiac (8.4% vs 17.9%, p=0.04) and all-cause (15.8% vs 28.4%, p=0.02) readmissions over 90 days post discharge. They also experienced weight loss (4.5 pounds), reduced systolic blood pressure (−11.0 mm Hg) and improved dyspnoea during exercise and daily activities. Conclusion In this matched cohort analysis of recently hospitalised patients with CVD, a postdischarge virtual cardiology programme combined with traditional outpatient follow-up reduced readmissions when compared with traditional care alone.