A new funding programme has been launched by NHSX to support up to four cardiac networks to implement remote monitoring.
£3 million in funding has been made available, with up to £750,000 for each project, to help cardiology and cardiac surgery pathways with digital tools.
This includes technology to support surgery patients pre and post-procedure, monitoring people on waiting lists to spot signs of deterioration sooner, managing conditions at home and monitoring recovery.
NHSX will provide support with market engagement, pathway design, workflow, assurance and evaluation, and providing a support system where needed.
Each application must name a lead medical director or clinical lead, nominate a CCG or cardiac centre to receive and host the programme, and provide a commitment to implement a digital tool and onboard a significant number of patients by 31 March 2022.
NHSX has advised that, for applications to be successful, they must have high levels of IT and clinical governance in place, commit to the pace of the programme and complete procurement by the end of 2021.
The cardiac networks must agree expectations and deliverables, ensure resources are in place to deliver the programme, and commit to an evaluation stage. This stage will include measuring the impact on patients, unplanned attendances and admissions, productivity benefits, impact on patient morbidity, value for money and sustainability.
Applications can be submitted up until 6 August 2021, with shortlisted applicants notified in the same month. Funding will be deployed in September will installation of digital tools to take place before the end of the year, and on boarding of patients to start January 2022.
To find out more, please visit the NHSX website here.
