An evaluation into self-testing technology for patients receiving treatment for long-term heart conditions in north Manchester has seen a reduction in the chance of blood clotting and has prevented at least five possible strokes.
NHS Manchester Health and Care Commissioning commissioned the evaluation in partnership with the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Health Innovation Manchester and Inhealthcare.
The self-testing pathway is for patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or with a mechanical heart valve who are prescribed the anticoagulant drug warfarin. Previously, the patients attended a community or hospital clinic on a regular basis for blood tests to determine their correct dosage.
The testing was held with a group of 198 patients who tested themselves at home via a portable device which requires only a pinprick drop of blood. The patient sent in their results via a bluetooth mobile app, secure web portal or automated telephone call. Their dosage information and next test date were sent back via the same patient preference route.
The findings of the study demonstrated the potential to save over 3,000 community outpatient appointments over 6 months and prevented the possible 5 strokes with the evaluation group.
Dr Peter Elton, Clinical Director of the Greater Manchester, Lancashire and South Cumbria Strategy Clinical Network “The most effective form of anticoagulation is self-management, much more than novel anticoagulants on average. It is thought this is because of an improvement in TTR percentage. So any higher percentage leads to a greater reduction in blood-clotting events.”
Ben Bridgewater, Chief Executive of Health Innovation Manchester, said: “Our evaluation has demonstrated the effectiveness of this innovative self-testing service and highlighted the opportunity for it to be spread across Greater Manchester for the benefit of patients and clinicians. This powerful collaboration between the NHS, industry and academia shows how Greater Manchester is leading the way in the digitally-enabled delivery of health and social care.”
Bryn Sage, Chief Executive at Inhealthcare, said: “Our technology allows people with long-term heart conditions to stay on top of their health without the hassle of inconvenient and time-consuming hospital or clinic appointments. This is exactly the sort of service that can reduce pressure on busy NHS clinics and allow staff to spend more time with patients who need care the most.”
