New stroke detection devices 'game-changing' for doctors and patients

Almost 700 secondary strokes could be prevented in the next five years, saving hundreds of lives in the process, as a result of new investment in mobile heart-rate monitors, ministers have said.

The Scottish Government has provided £1.9m in funding to support the deployment of ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) patch monitors for around 8,000 recent stroke patients per year.

They are small and offer ease of use to patients, replacing the larger models currently in use.

They also provide faster and more accurate readings, meaning doctors can make quicker and more effective decisions in regard to follow-on treatment.

The Scottish Government says research concluded the use of such patches could prevent 689 secondary strokes and 319 deaths over the five-year period while their efficiency will free up time equivalent to 15.7 full-time cardiac physiologists.

It is estimated this could save the NHS up to £14.6m in the same time period.

The compact, wireless and water-resistant devices are worn on the skin for up to 14 days to detect rhythm abnormalities in the heart, particularly atrial fibrillation – a leading cause of stroke.

The ECG patch monitors are expected to be four times more effective at detecting atrial fibrillation than current methods, reducing diagnosis and treatment times from up to 24 months to just three weeks.

Patients will also benefit from reduced travel, as patches can be applied during diagnosis or posted to their homes.

Standardised access across Scotland will help eliminate regional disparities in diagnosis and treatment.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The Scottish Government is clear that innovation will play a key role in reforming Scotland’s health service and ensuring it remains able to meet the health challenges of a changing world.

“Projects such as this one are vital to improving patient outcomes, saving lives and enabling the NHS to treat people quicker and more effectively.

“This investment in innovative technology will make a real difference to the lives of thousands of stroke patients across Scotland.

“By accelerating diagnosis and treatment, we can help prevent recurrent strokes and improve health outcomes.

“The use of these new patch monitors is a fantastic example of how we are adopting cutting-edge solutions to renew Scotland’s NHS and ensure it can continue to deliver high-quality, efficient care.”

Katie Cuthbertson, national director for the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), said: “Through the accelerated national innovation adoption (ANIA) pathway, we are rapidly scaling technologies that have the power to transform lives.

“The rollout of ECG patch monitors is a prime example of how innovation can drive better outcomes across the NHS.

“By detecting atrial fibrillation earlier and more accurately, we are not only preventing recurrent strokes but also freeing up vital clinical capacity to support other cardiac services.

“This is innovation with impact, delivered at pace and scale.”

Professor Jann Gardner, chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), said: “At NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, we are proud to be at the forefront of using technology to improve patient care.

“The ECG patch programme is a powerful example of how innovation can enhance diagnosis, reduce waiting times, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients.

“We’re pleased that this work is now being adopted nationally and we remain committed to leading the way in delivering smarter, more effective healthcare.”

NHSGGC consultant cardiologist and ANIA clinical lead for the CfSD Dr Faheem Ahmad, who is also cardiology innovation lead for the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, has worked directly with patients using the ECG patch.

He said: “The introduction of the ECG patch has been a game-changer for both patients and clinicians.

“We’re now able to diagnose atrial fibrillation more quickly and accurately, which means we can start treatment sooner and reduce the risk of serious complications like stroke.

“The patches can be worn just like a plaster, and in comparison to the older, traditional Holter devices, they are more comfortable and easier for patients to use.”