Perspectives on Contextual Information in Dutch Cardiac Rehab: Implications for Holistic Telemonitoring

Cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) relies heavily on telemonitoring,
predominantly gathering automated biophysical or survey data
for clinical decision-making. However, lifestyle change during and after
cardiac rehabilitation (CR) outside hospitals is impacted by many contextual
factors, including mental well-being or social support. Failure to
acknowledge these factors in remote cardiac care could result in healthcare
professionals (HCPs) offering standardized recommendations that
hinder health management. To gain insights into the utilization of contextual
information in clinical decision-making in Dutch CR, we conducted
semi-structured interviews with seven HCPs and CR experts. Our data
analysis highlights the importance of routine, physical, and psychosocial
information during holistic clinical decision-making. We argue for a transition
towards a holistic approach to telemonitoring in CTR, discussing
implications for more inclusive and contextual data-gathering practices.