RT Journal
A1 Pedone C, Incalzi R
T1 Telemonitoring in older adults: Does one size fit all?
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2012
FD November 12
VO 172
IS 20
SP 1611
OP 1611
DO 10.1001/archinternmed.2012.4415
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2012.4415
AB 
Furthermore, the population studied was heterogeneous with respect to the main disease. The experience with comprehensive geriatric assessment, however, clearly demonstrates that elderly and frail patients benefit from a strategy of care tailored to individual needs.2 There is no reason for thinking that such a conclusion does not apply to telemonitoring. In addition, the efficacy of telemonitoring may change according to the main disease: despite some negative trials, a recent Cochrane review indicates that in patients with congestive heart failure, telemonitoring is effective in reducing the risk of all-cause mortality and congestive heart failure–related hospitalizations.3 The lack of focus on a specific disease may also reduce the capacity of the telemonitoring team of detecting changes in health status. For example, symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation may be aspecific4 and may be missed by study personnel not specifically trained for (tele)assisting people with this disease.