The first cardiac resynchronization therapy device (CRT-D) patient has been enrolled in the EuroEco trial-the European Health Economic trial on Home Monitoring in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy device (CRT-D) patients.
The aim of the study is to assess the economic effects of Biotronik Home Monitoring based remote follow-up management compared to conventional in-clinic or practice follow-ups.
In the study, the economic impact on the hospital expressed as total follow-up cost will be assessed and the cost-effectiveness will also be evaluated as a secondary analysis. The trial has been extended to incorporate CRT-D patients after more than 300 ICD patients enrolled in the first stage of the trial.
“Studies on the economic effects of remote follow-ups are still sparse,” said Hein Heidbüchel, Cardiology, University Hospital Leuven, Belgium, and coordinating clinical investigator of the trial. “Nevertheless, the financial implications of remote care will drive its acceptance. Authorities and hospitals will need information on how this innovative care can be adequately reimbursed. EuroEco is the first trial where an economic evaluation of remote monitoring is the primary endpoint.”
“The medical benefit-the safety and efficiency of Biotronik Home Monitoring-has already been proven,” said Heidbüchel.
“With the efficiency and safety this service offers, we postulate that Biotronik Home Monitoring also provides ways of improving care in a cost-effective way, which constitutes a win for patients, a win for society and a win for health care providers.”
The EuroEco trial is a randomised, multicentre, international clinical trial with 312 ICD patients, and in its extension 104 CRT-D patients-a total of 416 patients in 15 European sites- with each patient having a 24-month follow-up.
