A Virtual Showcase series highlighting the latest Global Innovations and Technologies in Cardiovascular Care was presented at the latest National Prevention Conference. As part of this series, Prof Jeroen Hendriks, Professor of Cardiovascular Nursing, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia delivered a session on Telecheck AF. Telecheck-AF was developed during COVID-19 and is an on-demand Health intervention to assess heart rate and rhythm remotely in patients with atrial fibrillation. The session explains this approach and how to use in practice.

Atrial Fibrillation is considered a chronic condition. In 2016, there were 43.6 million people globally with Atrial Fibrillation. There is a steep increase of AF related hospitalisation. 

Covid-19 has brought many challenges and opportunities. Outpatient services were closed, which meant healthcare professionals converted to tele consultations. There was no information on heart rate or rhythm, as there were no ECGs.

Jeroen shows an easy-to-use app which has been created to monitor heart rate rhythm. There is BPG technology built into the camera on the phone and the app uses live based technology to sense rate of blood flow. By following these four simple steps the app will monitor the patient’s heartbeat:

Step 1: Sit comfortably and put both hands on a table.

Step 2: Open the mobile application and log in.

Step 3: Tap the heart icon located on the screen.

Step 4: Then the patient will place their finger on the camera for 60 seconds.

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This data is all sent securely to the doctor who can monitor and assess the information without ever having to meet the patience face-face.

There has been great feedback from both healthcare workers and the patients of all age groups. This has been surprisingly positive feedback as the majority of patients were above 60 years of age.

 

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