In the current edition of the International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences, Ribeiro et al. presented a controlled, multicenter, randomized, and blinded (regarding the outcome) study with a set of 340 patients. The authors proposed to assess whether a telemedicine strategy could be effective in reducing mortality and the number of hospitalizations in patients with heart failure. Studies like this reiterate the leading role of telemedicine and bring a broader thought: what is the future of the “hospital of the future”, and what experiences would be fundamental to make this a reality? Given the complexity of the issue, some elements seem to be indispensable; we listed them in the following paragraphs.

First pillar: the need for truly patient-centered care strategies, allowing patients to actively participate in decisions about their health. Salisbury et al. highlighted that this type of care includes a comprehensive review of patients’ problems, considering circumstances of each case, focusing on the quality of life and disease control. To this end, the authors point out the need to develop a personalized therapeutic strategy weighing the risks and benefits of the treatment, aiming to reduce their burdens, promote self-care and build an environment of shared decisions. In addition to patients, we must empower families to participate actively in their health care through collaboration with health professionals and the health system. Therefore, empathy and an effective doctor-patient relationship remain essential.

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