Telemedicine in the management of lipitension – opportunities and barriers to its use in Slovakia from the patient's perspective: a questionnaire study
Authors:
Štefan Tóth 1,2,3; Adriána Jarolímková 1,2,3; Patrik Buček 1
Authors‘ workplace:
Kardiologická ambulancia, Kardiocomp s. r. o., Košice
1; SLOVACRIN, LF UPJŠ v Košiciach
2; MEDIPARK, LF UPJŠ v Košiciach
3
Published in:
AtheroRev 2025; 10(1): 53-61
Category:
Reviews
Overview
Introduction: Numerous studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that telemonitoring of blood pressure and other factors of metabolic syndrome can improve their management. However, many patients do not use telemonitoring due to personal, technological, and healthcare barriers. The aim of this study was to identify the perspectives and barriers to telemonitoring of lipid levels in Slovakia from the patient’s point of view. Methods: This study was conducted as a questionnaire-based survey targeting 2,545 patients. The questionnaire consisted of sections focused on patients’ personal characteristics, habits regarding blood pressure measurement, the use of smart technologies, their perceived benefits and barriers, as well as the patients’ knowledge of their lipid profile and cardiovascular risk. Results: A total of 252 responses were obtained (9.9 % response rate). Among the respondents, 67.4 % had hypertension, while 7.9 % were on non-pharmacological therapy. Only 21.2 % of hypertensive patients measured their blood pressure daily, with a significantly higher proportion of men compared to women (p = 0.011), and the most frequent blood pressure monitoring was observed in the 31–45 age group. A total of 19.4 % used wearable devices, and 6.3 % used blood pressure monitors connected to an app. Smart technology use was significantly more common in the 31–45 age group (p = 0.01). No severe barriers to the use of smart technologies were identified; most patients required features such as remote consultations, medication adjustments, and user-friendly interfaces. The majority of patients were unaware of their LDL-C values, and 45.7 % of those who were aware had elevated levels. Conclusion: There is a prevailing interest in implementing telemedicine methods for blood pressure monitoring. However, collaboration between patients and physicians will be necessary for its successful implementation in Slovakia.
Keywords:
lipid levels – questionnaire study – telemonitoring in Slovakia
Sources
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