Implementing home telemanagement of congestive heart failure using Xbox gaming platform

Gaming platforms have been recognized for user-friendly interface which does not require previous computer-related experience. Easy to use and wide availability of these platforms at patient households make them an attractive means to facilitate consumer health. The potential of such widely used platforms as Xbox for self-management of chronic health conditions has not yet been fully uncovered. We developed a Home Automated Telemanagement (HAT) system which utilizes Xbox to access personal health record, receive self-care support and exchange information with health care providers. The system questions patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) to monitor symptoms, weight changes, medication adherence and quality of life while educating the patient on their disease. The patients receive an instant feedback on their condition in the form of a 3-zone CHF action plan. The patient self-management information can be reviewed by a provider on a designated web site. The system is programmed to run on the Microsoft Xbox videogame console using an active internet connection and a connection to a computer running Windows Media Center. The system is designed to be as simple as possible making it usable by patients with no prior computer or videogame experience. The feasibility of this approach was tested in ten adults with no previous Xbox experience who completed attitudinal surveys and semi-structured qualitative interviews after using the system. All participants claimed that they did not have any problems in using the system and that they would use the system in the future if necessary. An Xbox-based telemanagement system has potential to optimize the care of patients with CHF and other chronic conditions.