Feasibility of a multisensor patch in frail patients discharged from tertiary cardiology centre

Tóm tắt

Background

Frailty is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Patients who are frail have increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Hospital discharge is a vulnerable phase and results in frequent readmissions. In conditions such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), ventricular extrasystoles do occur, and persist up to 48 hours after hospital discharge. Continuous monitoring and care are provided in the hospital setting, but not readily available post-discharge. Thus, we explored the feasibility of a multisensor patch in frail patients discharged from a tertiary centre. 

Methods

We conducted this pilot study at Sarawak Heart Centre. Patients aged >65 years, with a clinical frailty scale of 4-7 were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the feasibility of health monitoring in this patient group and patients’ acceptance. Patients were equipped with a smartphone Samsung A01 and the Vivalnk patch. The wireless, water-resistant multi-sensor IoT-based ECG patch is applied to the left upper chest. Data was collected over 72 hour period. The application recorded motion sensor data (multiaxis acceleration), respiratory rate and electrocardiogram, which was automatically connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth. We analysed patients’ acceptance of activity monitoring, perceptions, and comfort using quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews. 

Results

19 patients fulfilled the study inclusion criteria and consented to participate. The mean age of participants was 75.2 years old. We were able to capture ventricular tachycardia in a patient which led to his collapse and he was sent immediately to the hospital via ambulance. All participants stated that they appreciated the monitoring and would recommend it to other patients. 

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that continuous health monitoring using a multisensor patch was feasible over a period of 72 hours in frail cardiology patients in ambulatory setting. This is the first pilot study that successfully assessed the usability and acceptability of a multisensor patch in elderly frail patients.