LAUSR

With the unstoppable implementation of digital contributions to meet many of the needs of current patients, it is expected that telehealth will progressively be adopted. Remote services are increasingly used in healthcare organizations across the globe. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality in Europe while pacemakers are a common implantable medical device. The progressive implementation of pacemakers with remote monitoring is reducing traditional visits to hospital. Considering that effective communication is a key ingredient for the provision of quality healthcare services, this study aims to explore the communication experiences in older adults with pacemaker in remote monitoring. The study is based on a non-masked randomised observational design. The Healthcare Communication Questionnaire and in-depth interviews were conducted for data collection. Findings revealed overall positive communication experiences by pacemaker users in remote monitoring without significant differences between users in hospital monitoring. The remote option is perceived as safe and convenient, and talking with the clinicians from home is considered as comfortable and confidential. The study provides insights into the content of communication experiences in telehealth and practical implications in healthcare contexts are discussed. Findings revealed overall positive communication experiences by pacemaker users in remote monitoring without significant differences between users in hospital monitoring. The remote option is perceived as safe and convenient, and talking with the clinicians from home is considered as comfortable and confidential.