Model based methods for the analysis of non-stationary effects of telemonitoring as an intervention for the management of chronic conditions at home

The monitoring of vital signs for the management of chronic conditions at home have been demonstrated in numerous trials to have a positive impact on the patient´s healthcare outcomes as well as to reduce hospitalization and improve quality of life. The CSIRO has just completed a two year clinical trial designed to evaluate a large number of qualitative and quantitative outcomes of at home telemonitoring. As preliminary data demonstrates that before and after data is not stationary, a model based BACI (Before-After-Control-Impact) design frequently used in environmental and agricultural yield studies, but rarely in clinical trials, has been developed to model the effects of the intervention on healthcare outcomes over time as well as possible secondary effects associate with environmental and seasonal conditions.