LHCH standard of care for heart failure patients supported by new NICE recommendations
An embedded standard of care at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH) using remote monitoring technology for patients with heart failure and cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs )in situ , has been supported nationally, with the recent endorsement by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Two algorithm-based technologies, HeartLogic and TriageHF, monitor readings from patients’ CIEDs, such as cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillators or implantable cardioverter defibrillators, so that clinicians can detect signs of potential heart failure deterioration earlier and intervene before decompensation occurs
These technologies, which accurately detect the signs of worsening heart failure by monitoring, for example, an individual’s general activity, heart rate variability and heart sounds, were last week recommended in diagnostic guidance by NICE.
LHCH has been using these technologies as its standard of care for appropriate heart failure patients for several years and will continue to do so. This is done in a multi-disciplinary way through its Cardiac diagnostics, Heart failure nursing teams at LHCH and in the community and Heart failure consultants.
In England, there were around 90,000 hospitalisations for heart failure in 2019/20, which makes it one of the leading causes of avoidable hospitalisation and the most common cause of admission in people aged over 65 years.
Heart failure happens when the left side of the heart doesn't fill properly with blood during the diastolic (filling) phase. This means the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
It is estimated 25,000 people in England have a cardiac device that is compatible with heart algorithm technology, a proportion under the care of the clinical teams at LHCH.
Dr Archana Rao, Consultant Cardiologist at LHCH, said: “We have been using these technologies at LHCH for a number of years. They have been embedded into our care pathway, allowing us to continue providing seamless and timely care for a large cohort of heart failure patients across Merseyside, Cheshire and beyond.
“In the last few years, we have been following up these patients with Cardiac devices remotely and more recently we have been using the newly endorsed algorithms for the management of heart failure.
“The recent NICE endorsement means that we can continue to provide this valuable service for our patients and improve the care of their heart failure in a seamless and timely manner.”
Professor Jay Wright, Director of Research and Consultant Cardiologist at LHCH, added: “This is very important news for clinical teams across the country and an excellent result for patients that will support and enhance their ongoing care.”