A new revolutionary heart failure service is helping keep patients out of hospital for longer and improving quality of life with hi-tech remote monitoring.
Bupa Health Insurance members are one of the first in the nation with access to the Virtual Heart Failure Service in a partnership with Ramsay Connect.
As part of the program, heart failure patients receive technology and wearables to monitor their blood pressure, pulse, oxygen levels and weight from home.
Cardiovascular nurses remotely monitor the vital signs to detect any changes in patients early, which can prevent the need to go to hospital. As part of the program, regular virtual consultations with specialist nurses and allied health professionals also help patients to manage their medication, diet, exercise and mental health.
Early results from the program’s trial include 50% reduction in hospital readmissions, improvements in mental health and medication adherence.
Latest data shows about 100,000 Australians aged over 45 have chronic heart failure.
Ramsay Connect CEO Ian Galvin said the Virtual Heart Failure Service was achieving improved health outcomes with patients empowered to better manage their condition and understand their symptoms.
“Chronic heart failure accounts for hundreds of preventable hospitalisations in Australia but with the right support, we can reduce the amount of time people spend in hospital,” Mr Galvin said.
“We know patients want flexibility in their care and they now have access to this program backed by specialist technology and a team of clinicians to provide the care they need at home.
Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director Chris Carroll said the service supported people to stay well at home.
“The Virtual Heart Failure Service allows our members to get the support they need in the comfort of their own home, avoiding treatment at hospital,” Mr Carroll said.
“Modernising patient care and experience is a key focus for us, and we’re pleased our members now have access to this service which is showing positive results for many suffering from heart failure.”
Mr Carroll said the service was a result of Bupa’s renewed partnership with Ramsay Health Care, Australia's largest private hospital operator.
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