A mobile pulse rate monitor that is set to cut patient waiting times while offering them greater choice will ‘sit at the very heart of NHS ambitions,’ says a health innovation specialist

The compact, wearable ‘Patch and Go’ electrocardiogram (ECG) device will be rolled out by NHS Scotland, improving diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients, but also helping to monitor those with heart palpitations, dizziness, and other concerning symptoms.

This means year-long cardiology waits being cut to potentially just a few weeks in priority cases, with the patch — which sticks wirelessly to the chest — helping to speed up diagnosis times.

A pilot programme will begin at the West of Scotland Innovation Centre at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and run until November.

Innovation specialist InnoScot Health says this leading technological breakthrough means improved choice for Accident & Emergency or acute medicine patients.

The organisation’s Head of Innovation, Robert Rea said: “Patients can currently wait between six months and a year for an ECG test, followed by a further wait for results.

“Of course, such an interval can heighten anxiety, but Patch and Go now offers an innovative option to help reduce that and return a sense of assurance to the patient as they go back into the community while also reducing the strain on acute services.

“In other words, this exciting breakthrough sits at the very heart of NHS ambitions and its potential to be rolled out nationally is very exciting.

“Essentially, patients are given the choice of having this compact, water-resistant patch fitted to their chest in hospital and then to return home, supported through virtual ward monitoring.

“Once fitted, a diagnostic test is completed within seven to 14 days, at which point the patient is given initial results, offering reassurance if no rhythm abnormalities have been detected, or the option to commence treatment if something has been picked up.”

The pilot programme is expected to free up around 1,500 hospital bed days as NHS Scotland continues planning to move its services further towards patient-centred remote monitoring and community-based care.

Dr Faheem Ahmad, consultant cardiologist and West of Scotland Cardiology Innovation Lead, said the technology marks “a completely new way of doing things”.

Dr Neil Ritchie, medical director of NHSGGC’s Interface division said: “Simply continuing with our older models without innovating isn’t going to give us the benefits that we need within the population.

“So, we would see this as having a significant impact, both on reducing the pressure in our hospitals but actually allowing people to be cared for in fundamentally a better way.”

InnoScot Health notes that turning the patch idea into reality is projected to save some £14.6 million over the next five years.

Robert added: “With the ability to prevent secondary strokes and ultimately deaths, the Patch and Go is more practical than its predecessors, provides more accurate readings, frees up NHS staff time, and will realise significant cost-savings.

“Previous remote monitoring technologies such as PillCam have been effective in helping patients access cancer checks closer to home, providing effective bowel diagnostics by swallowing a tiny camera which then takes pictures, helping to identify early signs of cancer.

“We believe this is a clear direction of travel for NHS Scotland.”

InnoScot Health believes its new innovation call — set to be launched on 11 February — can help make a difference by inspiring, identifying, and supporting collaborative new thinking in remote monitoring techniques.